New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Division of Codes and Standards
Landlord-Tenant Information Service
PETS IN RENTAL UNITS
BULLETIN
December 2003
This bulletin provides general information regarding the laws pertaining to pets in rental units,
when there is or is not a “no-pet” provision in the tenant’s lease or rental agreement. There is no
state law that prohibits landlords from requiring lease agreements that exclude pets in rental
property, except in certain senior citizen housing projects and for handicapped, blind or deaf
tenants. In general landlords have a right to include a “no pets” provision in the lease or rental
agreement. This bulletin is for informational purposes only and should not be used for legal
interpretations or legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal services and advice when
necessary.
SENIOR CITIZEN HOUSING PROJECTS
The Pets in Housing Projects law, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-103, et seq., defines “senior citizen housing
project” as any building or structure having three or more rental dwelling units. It does not apply
to owner-occupied premises that do not have more than three rental dwelling units, or any health
care facility. Any senior citizen residing in a senior citizen housing project and providing written
notice to the landlord is allowed to own or care for a pet.
A landlord may refuse to renew a tenant’s lease because of a pet, under the following
circumstances: