Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities
Rider University believes that being an informed consumer plays an important role in renting an apartment and living off campus. Before beginning the search to live off campus, make sure you are familiar with the state and federal guidelines that cover fair housing. These laws prohibit discrimination in the sale and/or rental of housing on the basis of:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Sex
- Disability
- Familial status
- National origin
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
In New Jersey, federal and state fair housing laws are enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA). Please use the links below to learn more about your rights and responsibilities under these laws:
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA)
- Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey: A Legal Handbook for NJ Tenants (PDF)
For questions or concerns regarding local laws and ordinances, and the sale or rental of a property, students should contact the town hall or municipal office (i.e., the code enforcement official or fire prevention office) where the property is located.