To the Editor:

It was distressing to learn that the NJ Division of Civil Rights (NJ DCR) has recently issued violation notices to housing providers across the state, including a Princeton apartment complex. However, it is reassuring to know that the NJ DCR is enforcing the Fair Chance in Housing Act (FCHA), which prevents landlords from using criminal background checks to unfairly exclude applicants.

According to the NJ DCR, the application form for the Princeton apartment complex stated that an applicant “will be denied” if they have “any felony criminal convictions” or “misdemeanor criminal convictions.” This would clearly discourage anyone with a criminal record — no matter how minor or how long ago — from applying. While the violation in Princeton has been corrected, it serves as a wake-up call for our community, which has witnessed the harm unfair tenant screening practices have caused to our most underserved neighbors for decades.

Unfortunately, some landlords continue to impose unreasonable barriers, such as requiring high credit scores, which disproportionately affect low-income applicants. Legislative proposals to address these obstacles have been introduced, but more forceful advocacy is needed.

Civil Rights Princeton (CRP), a grassroots group, has formed a Housing Committee to support residents facing housing discrimination, especially marginalized and low-income individuals trying to access affordable housing. We encourage any affected households to email us at CRxPrinceton@gmail.com or to call (640) 867-9339.

Together, we can fight for fair and equitable housing.

Maria Juega
Grover Avenue

Veronica Olivares
Edwards Place

Wilma Solomon
Tee-Ar Place

The signers of this letter compose the Housing Committee of Civil Rights Princeton.