New Jersey Criminal & credit history rules

Can a landlord deny a tenant for criminal or credit history in New Jersey?

New Jersey's Fair Chance in Housing Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-52 et seq.), as implemented by N.J.A.C. 13:5, generally bars landlords from asking about or considering criminal history before a conditional offer (limited exceptions for meth manufacture on federally assisted housing and lifetime sex-offender registration). Arrests without conviction, expunged/pardoned/vacated/sealed records, and juvenile adjudications may never be considered. After a conditional offer, only listed serious offenses and degree-based lookback windows (6/4/1 years) may be considered, with an individualized assessment before withdrawing the offer.

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-52 et seq. (incl. 46:8-55, 46:8-56); N.J.A.C. 13:5-1.4, 13:5-1.7, 13:5-1.8 · last checked 2026-10-23