New Jersey Senate Bill SR47

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/3/22
• Refer: 2/3/22
• Report Pass: 6/9/22
• Passed: 11/21/22

Caption

Urges Congress to pass legislation requiring mortgage lenders to consider rent payments when determining people's credit worthiness.

Impact

If Congress acts on this resolution, it has the potential to transform the landscape of mortgage lending by allowing more renters to qualify for mortgages. The Senate asserts that approximately 17% of individuals who have not owned a home in the prior three years would be eligible for mortgage financing if their rental payment history was factored into the decision. This is especially pertinent for people of color who often face more significant barriers to homeownership due to limited credit histories.

Summary

Senate Resolution No. 47 urges Congress to pass legislation that would require mortgage lenders to consider rent payments when evaluating an individual's creditworthiness. The resolution highlights that many lower-income renters in New Jersey are disqualified from qualifying for mortgages due to their insufficient credit histories, despite their consistent record of paying rent. By acknowledging rent payments as a viable sign of creditworthiness, the bill aims to broaden access to homeownership for a wider demographic of citizens, particularly those who have historically been marginalized in the housing market.

Contention

While the initiative has been well-received by advocates for housing equity, there exists notable contention regarding the limitation on New Jersey's ability to enforce such requirements due to federal preemption of state banking regulations. Critics argue that merely urging Congress does not resolve the immediate challenges faced by renters seeking home purchases. Thus, as New Jersey awaits Congressional action, the resolution serves not only as a call to action but also highlights the urgency of reforming credit assessment standards used by mortgage lenders.