N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-29.1
Person with a disability; unlawful employment practice
Operative Text
3. Unless it can be clearly shown that a person's disability would prevent such person from performing a particular job, it is an unlawful employment practice to deny to an otherwise qualified person with a disability the opportunity to obtain or maintain employment, or to advance in position in his job, solely because such person is a person with a disability or because such person is accompanied by a service or guide dog. L.1977,c.456,s.3; amended 1980, c.46, s.6; 1983, c.485, s.5; 2003,c.180,s.19.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-29.1, New Jersey law treats it as an unlawful employment practice to deny a qualified person with a disability the chance to obtain, keep, or advance in a job solely on the basis of that disability or because the person uses a service or guide dog. The prohibition applies unless it can be clearly demonstrated that the disability would prevent the individual from performing the specific job in question. This rule is part of the broader New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.) and reflects the state's policy of protecting workers with disabilities from discriminatory employment decisions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Although N.J.S.A. 10:5-29.1 is framed as an employment provision, property owners and managers who employ staff should be aware that denying hiring, retention, or advancement to a qualified worker solely because of a disability—or because that worker uses a service or guide dog—constitutes an unlawful employment practice under this section. Compliant operators generally evaluate candidates and employees on their ability to perform the actual requirements of the job, and they document any job-performance-based determinations carefully. Familiarity with N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. as a whole helps ensure that employment decisions across all roles meet the state's anti-discrimination standards.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 10:5-29.1 gives workers with disabilities—including those who use service or guide dogs—a legal basis to challenge employment decisions made solely on the basis of their disability, such as being passed over for a job, terminated, or denied a promotion. If an employer cannot clearly show that the disability prevents performance of the specific job, the denial may constitute an unlawful employment practice under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. Workers who believe their rights under this provision have been violated may consider filing a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights or consulting a tenant-rights or disability-rights organization for guidance on available enforcement paths.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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