State Specific Question About: NEW JERSEY (NJ)

My wife and I own a 2 family Cape in New Jersey. Our current tenants served notice and will be moving out March 5th. However since listing with our Realtor, the agent has been mostly taking calls from a number of people with children. Since the rental unit is for 4 rooms (one Master BR, plus one smaller BR) and would be above us, we are reluctant to rental to families with children due to the quality of life issues it would present to my wife and I, who are in our mid to late 60's.

As a result of our preferences the Realtor has become less proactive, fearing they would be either fined or lose their license for practicing "discrimination" against children.

It seems all the cards are stacked against the landlord on this issue. Don't we as landlords have any rights regarding a limit on the number of people allowed to live with us above our heads, inside the walls of our own dwelling?

And how can people looking to rent be allowed to entertain the idea that beyond the Master BR, one smaller BR can accommodate two or more children??

If we have to take matters into our own hands and go outside the agency, what would be some of the guidelines for advertising in the local newspapers, etc. without being charged with discrimination? Can't we just say "Limited to two (or possibly 3) people" in an ad?

Any advise, or suggestions would be most welcome and appreciated. Thank you.

have your agent list to rent a ONE BEDROOM with bonus room/office.

"The FHA generally isn't applicable when a building has fewer than five apartments and one of them is occupied by the owner."

I am over near Trenton. Since you are living in the home, you can be as discriminatory as you want to be. Your realtor sounds uninformed about the rules.

You can google a document called Truth in Renting published by the Dept of Community Affairs in Trenton. I believe that the information may be spelled out in that document or no so specifically as all the rules are for "non owner occupied dwellings'

Take out the bathtub and put in a stall shower.

And I agree, one bedroom + office. Take out the closet, or set up a desk in the closet space.

We moved upstairs when our son and his family moved to Michigan. I loved the noise of our toddler grandson running around, but didn't want to hear strangers.

If stairs are an issue, shop for a second hand stair lift. They are cheap on Craigslist. Our neighbors are in their 90's, have them on all their stairs, and do fine.

newjersey.craigslist.org/search/sss?sort=rel&query=stair%20lift

I'm having a big knee surgery in April and you can even rent the chair lifts.

This video makes me laugh, every time I see it!:

"you can be as discriminatory as you want to be" BUT YOU CANNOT ADVERTISE IN A DISCRIMINATORY MANNER.

And neither can the realtor. Here's what you do: Let them show. Let them screen. YOU choose.

Bob,

The phrase "2 bedroom" is attracting families with children.

Like PattyK said, change the ad to "1 bedroom + office, maximum 2 persons".

Change the office door knob from locking to passage (non-locking) and it no longer qualifies as a bedroom. An $8 fix.

The stuff about discriminating where you live is true but don't poke the bear. If/When they turn on you they will find a way to make your life miserable even if you are right. Stay on the blameless side. Promote the positive features and skip anything that approaches discrimination.