Fair housing compliance is a cornerstone of the REALTOR® profession—and while not every state requirement applies directly to REALTORS®, understanding key regulations helps members properly guide clients and uphold the REALTOR® Code of Ethics.
One such regulation is New Jersey’s Multiple Dwelling Reporting Rule (MDRR). Although REALTORS® are not responsible for compliance, familiarity with the rule is important when working with certain landlord clients.
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What Is the MDRR?
The Multiple Dwelling Reporting Rule (MDRR) is enforced by the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. It requires qualifying property owners to:
- Provide a state-issued demographic inquiry form to rental applicants and tenants, and
- File an annual report with the State of New Jersey.
The purpose of the rule is to support fair housing oversight and help identify potential patterns of discrimination in rental housing. Importantly, participation by tenants is voluntary, and the information collected cannot be used to make housing decisions.
Who Is Required to Comply?
A property owner must comply with MDRR if they:
- Own or manage 25 or more residential rental units in New Jersey, and
- Those units are under common ownership or management, even if they are located at multiple sites.
Covered properties may include apartments, condominiums, townhomes, duplexes, and single-family rental homes.
The REALTOR® Role: What You Do (and Don’t) Do
It’s critical for members to understand—and communicate clearly—what their role is not under MDRR:
- REALTORS® do not collect demographic data
- REALTORS® do not store inquiry forms
- REALTORS® do not file MDRR reports
- REALTORS® do not enforce compliance
Instead, REALTORS® should direct qualifying property owners to official State resources for guidance and reporting.
Why MDRR Matters Under the REALTOR® Code of Ethics
The MDRR aligns closely with principles already embedded in the REALTOR® Code of Ethics—particularly Article 10, which prohibits REALTORS® from denying equal professional services or participating in discrimination based on protected characteristics.
The rule reinforces Article 10 by:
- Supporting neutral, non-discriminatory housing practices
- Encouraging transparency and accountability in rental housing
- Reinforcing fair housing standards without adding new REALTOR® obligations
REALTORS® must always avoid participating—intentionally or unintentionally—in any practice that could result in unequal access to housing.
Other Ethics Articles Touched by MDRR
While Article 10 is most directly connected, MDRR also intersects with other ethical duties, including:
- Article 2 – Avoiding misrepresentation or concealment of material facts
- Article 3 – Cooperation and fair dealing
- Article 11 – Competency and knowing when to refer clients to appropriate experts
In practice, this means REALTORS® are expected to recognize when an issue is legal or regulatory and refer clients to the proper authority rather than attempting to interpret or manage compliance themselves.
REALTOR® Talking Points for Landlord Clients
Members may find the following language helpful when discussing MDRR with property owners:
- “This is a state requirement for property owners, not REALTORS®.”
- “If you own or manage 25 or more rental units, MDRR may apply to you.”
- “Tenants are not required to complete the inquiry form, but owners must offer it.”
- “The information collected cannot be used to make rental decisions.”
- “The State—not the REALTOR®—handles reporting and enforcement.”
Official Resources for Property Owners
For accurate guidance, REALTORS® should direct clients to:
NJ Division on Civil Rights – MDRR Unit
Email:
Phone: 609-376-3295
Reporting Portal: https://mdrr.njcivilrights.gov/
Key Takeaway for NCJAR® Members
The MDRR reinforces fair housing principles that REALTORS® already follow under the Code of Ethics. While REALTORS® are not compliance officers, understanding the rule helps protect consumers, support clients appropriately, and uphold the high professional standards of the REALTOR® brand.
When in doubt, refer clients to the State—and keep your role focused on ethical, equal, and professional real estate service.
