Housing Discrimination
The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits discrimination in housing based on actual or perceived:
- Race or color
- Religion or creed
- National origin, nationality, or ancestry
- Sex, pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Sexual orientation
- Gender identity or expression
- Disability
- Marital status or domestic partnership/civil union status
- Liability for military service
- Familial status (having children under age 18)
- Source of lawful income used for rental or mortgage payments
The prohibition applies to real estate agents and housing providers, including property owners, agents, employees and brokers, landlords, superintendents, and condominium associations. The law means, for example, that a leasing agent cannot refuse to rent an apartment to a person because she is Muslim, and a real estate agent cannot decline to show listings to a Black family in a particular neighborhood. Housing providers and real estate agents also cannot retaliate against a person for exercising or attempting to exercise their rights under the LAD. Anyone who believes their rights under the LAD have been violated may file a complaint with DCR within 180 days of the incident. CLICK HERE to learn more about filing a complaint with DCR.
- CLICK HERE to view a fact sheet on housing discrimination.
- CLICK HERE to learn more about the Multiple Dwelling Reporting Rule or to file your report.
- AG Letter to Property Owners
- Model Fair Housing Policy
