Legislation sponsored by Assemblymembers Gary Schaer, Eliana Pintor Marin, Ellen Park, and Gabriel Rodriguez that would strengthen protections for tenants facing intimidation based on their immigration or citizenship status cleared the Assembly Housing Committee today.
Known as the “Immigrant Tenant Protection Act,” Bill A4492 would prohibit landlords from using a tenant’s actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status as a basis for eviction, harassment, or retaliation. The bill would establish legal remedies for tenants whose rights are violated and clarify that immigration status is generally irrelevant in civil actions involving a tenant’s housing rights.
“Housing laws only work when tenants feel safe enough to use them,” said Assemblyman Schaer (D-Bergen, Passaic). “When the threat of immigration enforcement is used to silence complaints or discourage people from asserting their rights, it undermines the integrity of our housing system. This bill would hold landlords accountable and apply legal protections equally to every tenant.”
The bill would also codify New Jersey’s implied warranty of habitability, affirming that all tenants are entitled to safe, sanitary, and decent housing regardless of immigration or citizenship status. Additionally, the Department of Community Affairs would be required to provide educational materials in the seven most common non-English languages spoken in New Jersey. The materials would outline the rights and responsibilities established under the law.
In light of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids across New Jersey, this bill reaffirms the State’s commitment to protecting all residents, regardless of immigration status. These enforcement actions have created widespread fear and uncertainty across both immigrant and non-immigrant communities, underscoring the urgent need for stronger awareness of fair housing rights and tenant protections.
“Many immigrant families in our communities are reluctant to report unsafe living conditions out of fear and uncertainty,” said Assemblywoman Pintor Marin (D-Essex, Hudson). “No one should have to live in dangerous housing because they are afraid to seek help. This legislation helps ensure that all residents can protect their safety and well-being without fear of retaliation.”
“As a naturalized citizen, this bill is personal to me. Everyone deserves the opportunity to live in a safe and stable home free from intimidation,” said Assemblywoman Park (D-Bergen). “By strengthening protections against retaliation and harassment, this bill helps ensure that tenants can exercise their rights without fear.”
Under the bill, landlords would be prohibited from threatening to disclose or disclosing information related to a tenant’s immigration or citizenship status to influence a tenant to vacate a property. The legislation would also strengthen tenant protections against eviction.
“Tenants should never be forced out of their homes through threats or coercion,” said Assemblyman Rodriguez (D-Hudson). “This legislation provides clear safeguards against abusive practices and holds bad actors accountable when they attempt to exploit vulnerable residents.”