Quijano Bill to Shield Tenants from Future Housing Restrictions As A Result of Their Rental Record Advances

(TRENTON) – For New Jersey renters who have experienced an eviction before, their rental record is marked by this action indefinitely and often impedes the process of renting again. As a result of job loss and the impact of Covid-19, many renters now find themselves facing eviction or, worse, have been evicted from their homes.

The Assembly Housing Committee cleared legislation Thursday sponsored by Assemblywoman Annette Quijano (D-Union) that would help families in these situations from continually facing housing restrictions because of an eviction action during the current public health emergency.

“An eviction action taken against a tenant can have a major impact on rental housing options in the future,” said Quijano. “Oftentimes, having an eviction action on a tenant’s rental record acts as a scarlet letter and negatively affects the quality and availability of their housing options for years to come.”

The bill (A-4463) establishes confidentiality standards for eviction actions related to failure to pay rent during the Public Health Emergency established under Executive Order 103. Under the bill, courts would be required to shield qualifying actions from the public indefinitely before issuing a decision on the action. The names and addresses of all parties involved would be redacted from public court records, but demographic information could be shared for gathering statistics.

“Given the negative financial impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on so many New Jersey residents, this bill intends to help shield tenants from future housing restrictions based solely off of eviction actions filed against a tenant for non-payment or habitually late payment of rent during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency,” continued Quijano. “We heard the suggestions in committee today and will continue to work to produce the best bill that will help New Jersey families facing eviction during these challenging times.”

Additionally, the bill prohibits landlords from considering a qualifying eviction action when evaluating a prospective tenant. This bill would not restrict a landlord’s ability to evaluate eviction actions brought for reasons other than non-payment of rent or habitually late payment of rent during the public health emergency or an eviction action initiated before or after the public health emergency.

The bill will now go to the Speaker for further consideration.