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Bill

Bill

S 414

Expands definition of landlords required to provide receipt for rent cash payment made by tenant.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Brian Stack

Expands which New Jersey landlords must issue receipts for tenant cash rent payments, strengthening documentation protections for renters paying in cash.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · S 414

Legislative bill overview

S 414 expands the definition of which landlords must provide receipts when tenants pay rent in cash. Currently, New Jersey law requires certain landlords to issue receipts for cash rent payments, but this bill broadens the categories of landlords subject to this requirement, likely lowering the threshold for property size or ownership structure that triggers the obligation.

Why is this important

Cash rent payments create documentation challenges that can lead to disputes over whether rent was actually paid. Expanding receipt requirements protects tenants from fraudulent "non-payment" claims and provides clear financial records, while also creating a paper trail for tax purposes. This particularly affects lower-income renters who may lack other means to prove payment.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance costs: Smaller or independent landlords may face administrative burdens and potential penalties if they fail to comply with expanded requirements
  • Definition scope: The bill's success depends on how broadly "landlord" is defined—overly broad definitions could capture owner-occupants or other edge cases unintentionally
  • Enforcement mechanisms: Unclear whether tenants have private right of action to sue for non-compliance or if enforcement falls solely to government agencies

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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