N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-9.2
Division on Civil Rights qualified as "certified agency."
Operative Text
13. The provisions of this amendatory and supplementary act, P.L.1992, c.146 (C.10:5-12.4 et al.), and P.L.2003, c.180, are intended to permit the Division on Civil Rights in the Department of Law and Public Safety to qualify as a "certified agency" within the meaning of the Federal Fair Housing Amendments Act, Pub.L. 100-430 (42 U.S.C. s.3610 (f)), and shall be construed as consistent with that purpose. Nothing in P.L.1992, c.146 (C.10:5-12.4 et al.) and P.L.2003, c.180, shall be construed to permit conduct prohibited by the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.), prior to the effective date of P.L.2003, c.180. L.1992,c.146,s.13; amended 2003, c.180, s.10.
Section 10:5-9.2 of the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.) establishes that the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights is structured to qualify as a 'certified agency' under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act, meaning it can investigate and resolve fair housing complaints in coordination with federal authorities. The provision also clarifies that nothing in the related 1992 and 2003 amendments loosens the protections that existed under the Law Against Discrimination before those amendments took effect. In other words, the floor of anti-discrimination protection was not lowered by these legislative updates.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Jersey should be aware that under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-9.2, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights holds 'certified agency' status, which means it works in tandem with the federal fair housing enforcement system. A compliant operator generally maintains practices that satisfy both state and federal fair housing standards, since complaints may be processed through either or both systems. The provision also confirms that the protections of the Law Against Discrimination in place before the 2003 amendments remain fully intact.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-9.2, tenants in New Jersey benefit from a state enforcement structure that is formally recognized under federal fair housing law, giving the Division on Civil Rights the authority to handle complaints that might otherwise go to a federal agency. This means a tenant who believes they have experienced housing discrimination may have the option of filing a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights, which can act as a certified agency under the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand which enforcement path may be available to them under both state and federal law.
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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