Gov. Murphy signs law banning landlords from asking rental applicants about criminal records

[TexasTowelie]

Gov. Phil Murphy marked Juneteenth by signing the Fair Chance in Housing Act, banning landlords from asking most applicants about their criminal records. Advocates say New Jersey is the first state to pass this type of ban the box legislation.

It will help people like Boris Franklin, who was formerly incarcerated and now serves as a board member of the New Jersey Reentry program. He says he experienced housing discrimination because of his criminal record.

“After my release, I applied for several apartments and was denied again and again. I would call and ask if they would consider someone with a criminal record … time and time again, they would tell me, ‘Don’t bother to apply.’ I am truly relieved that this type of discrimination in New Jersey will end today,” he said.

Advocates who fought for the law say the barrier to housing that Franklin and others faced contributes to recidivism and homelessness.

Read more: https://www.njspotlight.com/video/gov-murphy-signs-law-banning-landlords-from-asking-rental-applicants-about-criminal-records/

[Scrivener7]

1. If I were renting, say, a flat in a two-family house, this would make me only rent to women.

I'm a single woman. This would make me a lot less confident that I could stay safe if I invested in real estate like that.

I know that women commit crimes too, but the chances of getting a violent person in my house would be less.

I will probably take heat for saying that, but it's true.

I have an acquaintance who was convicted of a violent crime and served his time. He's still a violent guy. I wouldn't want to share a house with him.

[at140]

3. You can't assume a convicted man will harm you

You must give him a chance to re-enter lawful sociery.

[Scrivener7]

4. Not in my house.

[Hugh_Lebowski]

2. That's good news ... but does it ban them from checking on an applicant's record though

Like, calling the courthouse type of thing?

Does it actually ban discrimination based on what they find if they do?

Sounds like probably no, and it seems like that'd be pretty important as well.

But sounds like 'a start' at least.

[MichMan]

5. So can't ask is someone has been convicted of pedophilia if you have children nearby ?

Or rape in the case of a single woman? How about renting to someone convicted of running a crack house?

[LanternWaste]

6. The relevant, fair and effective alternative being...?

It rains on the just and unjust alike.