N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-6
Division on Civil Rights created; powers
Operative Text
6. There is created in the Department of Law and Public Safety a division known as "The Division on Civil Rights" with power to prevent and eliminate unlawful discrimination in the manner prohibited by P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.) against persons because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial status, nationality, disability, sex, or source of lawful income used for rental or mortgage payments, or because of their service in the Armed Forces of the United States or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, by employers, labor organizations, employment agencies or other persons and to take other actions against unlawful discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, sex, familial status, nationality, disability, age, or source of lawful income used for rental or mortgage payments, or because of their service in the Armed Forces of the United States or liability for service in the Armed Forces of the United States, as herein provided; and the division created hereunder is given general jurisdiction and authority for such purposes. L.1945,c.169,s.6; amended 1951, c.64, s.4; 1961, c.106, s.3; 1962, c.37, ss.4,9; 1963, c.40, s.2; 1970, c.80, s.10; 1991, c.519, s.4; 1992, c.146, s.5; 2003, c.180, s.7; 2006, c.100, s.5; 2025, c.251, s.3; 2025, c.307, s.4.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-6, New Jersey established the Division on Civil Rights within the Department of Law and Public Safety and granted it broad authority to address unlawful discrimination in housing, employment, and related areas. The Division's mandate covers a wide range of protected characteristics, including race, national origin, disability, sex, familial status, and source of lawful income used for rent or mortgage payments, among others. This provision gives the Division the general jurisdiction needed to investigate complaints, pursue enforcement actions, and work to eliminate discriminatory practices across the state.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-6 empowers the Division on Civil Rights to investigate and act on complaints of housing discrimination. Compliant operators generally apply consistent, non-discriminatory criteria when screening applicants, setting rental terms, and managing tenancies, paying particular attention to all protected characteristics listed under the Law Against Discrimination. Maintaining clear records of rental decisions and policies can help demonstrate adherence to the standards the Division is authorized to enforce.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-6 establishes the Division on Civil Rights as the state body with authority to receive and act on complaints from individuals who believe they have experienced unlawful housing discrimination. Tenants who feel they have been treated differently because of a protected characteristic—such as their source of lawful income, disability, or familial status—may have the option of filing a complaint directly with the Division on Civil Rights. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with New Jersey's Law Against Discrimination can help in understanding what documentation and steps are generally involved in that process.
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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