Everyone deserves a right to three things, food, water, and shelter. An individual's criminal record shouldn't determine whether or not they deserve stable housing, and landlords shouldn't hold the power to make decisions based on personal biases and beliefs.
Everyone deserves a right to three things, food, water, and shelter. An individual's criminal record shouldn't determine whether or not they deserve stable housing, and landlords shouldn't hold the power to make decisions based on personal biases and beliefs. New Jersey authorities crack down on landlords who violate the Fair Chance In Housing Act, a law that prohibits landlords from placing unfair regulations based on an initial applicant's criminal history.
The Criminal Justice System doesn't have an exceptional reputation for promoting equality within the nation. The disturbing disproportional rates of incarcerated minorities verses whites is a clear example of systemic racism in the United States, and dismissing a potential tenant's application due to their criminal record is a discriminatory action that violates the Fair Chance in Housing Act and strips a way deserving citizen's basic right to a safe place to live. Landlords are not judges, and they certainly aren't above the law. Therefore, they cannot turn away a rehabilitated applicant due to a previous conviction that doesn't concern them.
The state of New Jersey has one of the highest racial disparities in prison population in the U.S.. With that being said, the act of denying a New Jersey citizen a safe place to live due to their criminal history will continue the cycle of homeless, poverty, and incarceration within the state, a notion that will prevent many deserving citizens from climbing the socioeconomic ladder. Landlords who continue to disobey necessary orders will face consequences, says Attorney General Matthew Platkin.
"[The enforcement actions] send a clear message that we will not tolerate violations of this landmark law, and we will continue to actively enforce the critical protections it provides, Make no mistake: If you violate the FCHA, we will hold you accountable."
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