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Bill

Bill

S 3095

Prohibits residential landlord from imposing certain surcharges for rent payments.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill prohibits residential landlords from charging tenants surcharges for rent payments, reducing housing costs but potentially increasing base rents.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee
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Bill Summary · S 3095

Legislative bill overview

S 3095 would prohibit residential landlords in New Jersey from charging tenants additional fees or surcharges when paying rent through any method. The bill restricts landlords' ability to pass transaction costs to tenants, regardless of payment method used (credit card, online platforms, checks, etc.).

Why is this important

Rent payment surcharges can significantly increase housing costs for tenants, particularly those using digital payment methods that carry processing fees. This directly affects housing affordability and could reduce unexpected costs for renters already facing tight budgets in an expensive state like New Jersey.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord cost burden: Property owners may argue they shouldn't absorb payment processing fees (typically 2-3% for credit cards), which could reduce profit margins on rental properties
  • Market impacts: Landlords might respond by building these costs into base rent prices, potentially offsetting tenant savings
  • Payment method fairness: Ambiguity over whether "surcharges" includes premium services or only standard payment options; could create disputes about what fees are prohibited
  • Small vs. large operators: Independent landlords with few units may face higher proportional costs than large property management companies with economies of scale

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

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