Bill
Bill > A2081
NJ A2081
NJ A2081Prohibits landlords from requiring rent to be paid by certain means of payment or at any off-site location.
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
This bill prohibits a landlord from requiring a tenant's rent to be paid by certain means of payment or at any off-site location. Specifically, the bill prohibits a landlord from entering into a residential lease, renewal, or extension agreement that: (1) limits the acceptable methods of rent payment to cash, personal check, credit or debit card, or any other specific forms of payment; or (2) requires the tenant to pay rent at any location outside of the premises of the building in which the tenant resides. Additionally, the bill requires the landlord to accept any cash, personal check, or credit or debit card payment made by, or on behalf of, a tenant pursuant to residential lease, renewal, or extension agreement. The bill also prohibits a landlord from imposing any fee on a residential tenant for the payment of rent: (1) by means of cash, personal check, or credit or debit card payment made by, or on behalf of, the tenant; or (2) at any location inside or outside of the premises of the building in which the tenant resides. Any landlord who violates the provisions of this bill would be guilty of a disorderly persons offense, which is punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than six months, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits landlords from dictating specific payment methods for rent or requiring rent to be paid at locations outside the tenant's building. Specifically, landlords cannot enter into lease agreements that restrict acceptable rent payments to only certain methods like cash, personal check, or credit/debit card, nor can they mandate that rent be paid at a location off the rental property. The bill requires landlords to accept rent payments made by cash, personal check, or credit/debit card, and prohibits them from charging any fees for these payment methods or for paying rent at any location, whether inside or outside the building. Violating these provisions would be considered a disorderly persons offense, punishable by up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing 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/A2081 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A2500/2081_I1.HTM |
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