summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Entitled the "Mold-Safe Housing Act," this bill would create mechanisms for tenants living in mold-contaminated rental housing to have the mold effectively removed, or be relocated to safer rental housing. In addition, the bill provides a system of inspection of all rental housing for the presence of mold. Single family and two-family rental housing will be required to be inspected upon a change in occupancy, as well as every five years as part of the multiple dwelling inspection. Multiple dwellings will be inspected every five years for mold under the "Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law," which is enforced currently by the Bureau of Housing Inspection in the Department of Community Affairs. The bill provides that a prospective home purchaser can specify that an inspection for presence of mold be performed by a licensed home inspector, should they retain such an inspector prior to purchase. The bill permits tenants whose landlords fail to abate a mold hazard, upon written request to do so, to notify the Department of Community Affairs, who shall investigate each claim and determine whether to relocate the tenant. Current relocation assistance laws would apply in such circumstances. In addition, the bill requires the court to notify the department whenever a tenant is constructively evicted due to mold or some other issue of habitability in the rental property.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Mold Safe Housing Act," establishes new regulations and procedures to address mold hazards in rental properties. It mandates inspections for mold in rental housing, with single-family and two-family homes requiring inspection upon a change of occupancy and every five years, while multiple dwellings will be inspected every five years. The bill also allows prospective homebuyers to request a mold inspection from a licensed home inspector. For tenants living in mold-contaminated rental housing, the bill provides a pathway to request remediation from their landlord; if the landlord fails to act, tenants can notify the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which will investigate and may relocate tenants to mold-safe housing, with relocation assistance provided under existing laws. Furthermore, courts are required to inform the DCA when a tenant is constructively evicted due to mold or other habitability issues. The bill also clarifies that home inspectors can include mold inspections upon request and that homeowners' associations cannot prevent unit owners from abating mold in their own units, though they can manage mold in common areas. The term "substantial presence of mold" is defined as visible or detectable mold growth on interior surfaces or in ventilation ducts that raises health concerns for residents.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S760 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S1000/760_I1.HTM |
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