Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Monmouth University believes that being an informed consumer plays an important part in renting an apartment and living off-campus. When Monmouth University students begin the search for an off-campus rental, they need to be familiar with state and federal guidelines that cover fair housing. These laws generally prohibit discrimination in the sale and/or rental of housing on the basis of:
- race
- color
- religion
- sex
- disability
- familial status
- national origin
- marital status
- sexual orientation
Furthermore, local municipalities may impose additional restrictions (e.g. a Certificate of Occupancy or CO) on the sale or rental of properties within their jurisdictions. Additionally, tenants should familiarize themselves with the laws, ordinances and statutes that will impact their tenancy in a given property
In New Jersey, federal and state fair housing laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and the Monmouth County Planning Board. Use the links below to learn more about your rights and responsibilities under these laws:
U.S Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD)
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
Monmouth County Planning Board – Community Development
Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey: A Legal Handbook for NJ Tenants
For questions regarding local laws and ordinances regarding the sale or rental of a property, students should contact the town hall or municipal office (e.g. the code enforcement official or fire prevention office) where the property is located.
* The Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey: A Legal Handbook for NJ Tenants provides tenants with step-by step procedures for addressing tenant/landlord questions, and spells out tenants’ rights and responsibilities as defined by the State of New Jersey.