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Section 8 in New Jersey: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving New Jersey's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a New Jersey landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes, statewide. The Law Against Discrimination bars refusing to rent because of the source of any lawful income or rent payment, including Section 8 and other federal, state or local vouchers and rental assistance, nonprofit rental assistance, disability and veterans' benefits, and court-ordered payments such as child support or alimony. Listings may not exclude these sources. Under amendments signed January 12, 2026 (effective immediately), a landlord may not refuse a lawful source of payment, and any minimum-income requirement or financial standard must be based only on the portion of the rent the tenant will pay. N.J.S.A. 10:5-5(yy), 10:5-12(g)(4) (Law Against Discrimination), as amended by P.L.2025, c.251 (approved Jan. 12, 2026)

Housing authorities in New Jersey

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) — Runs the NJ Housing Resource Center, a free search of affordable, subsidized and market-rate rentals across New Jersey (nj.gov/njhrc). Rental subsidies themselves are run by the NJ Department of Community Affairs.

Help paying rent in New Jersey

How to apply

  1. Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
  2. Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
  3. Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
  4. Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
  5. When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

New Jersey tenant rights · Free legal help in New Jersey · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.