New Jersey governor signs legislation to mark Juneteenth that bars landlords from requesting tenants’ criminal history

Source: https://www.rt.com/usa/527020-new-jersey-landlords-criminals/
Published: Jun 24, 2021
Author: Mike Rivero
Post Date: 2021-06-24 09:24:21 by Horse
Views: 116

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a bill prohibiting landlords from asking prospective renters about whether they have a criminal record, saying he put his name to the measure to celebrate the Juneteenth holiday.

“Today, I am proud to sign the Fair Chance in Housing Act into law and work to level what has been for too long an uneven playing field when it comes to access to housing,” the Democratic governor said in a statement on Friday, calling the bill “nation-leading legislation.”

As we commemorate Juneteenth, we must commit to both remembering the past and continuing to take action to ensure communities of color, especially black Americans, achieve the full equity they deserve.

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#1: Anthem    To: Horse (#0)

In the short run this will increase undeserved rejections, as now landlords have to go steps further to separate the good from the bad. In the long run background checks will be mandatory for everybody making lease applications.

Anthem posted on 2021-06-24 09:54:12   Reply   Private Reply

#2: Lod    To: Horse (#0)

That shouldn't survive its first court challenge, in a sane world.

Lod posted on 2021-06-24 12:02:35   Reply   Private Reply

#3: DWornock    To: Horse (#0)

So what? Just go on line and look up a renters credit and criminal record. They don't have to ask to get the information. Asking wouldn't do much good anyway since criminals and most people lie.

DWornock posted on 2021-06-24 15:09:50   Reply   Private Reply

#4: Anthem    To: DWornock (#3)

Lying on the application gives the landlord carte blanche to evict at will.

Anthem posted on 2021-06-24 15:15:32   Reply   Private Reply

#5: ghostdogtxn    To: Horse (#0)

ghostdogtxn posted on 2021-06-24 15:22:29   Reply   Private Reply