Tenant Brokerage Fee Ban

At a glance

• What: An ordinance (26-1291) prohibiting brokerage costs from being imposed on residential tenants in Newark.
• Where it stands: Adopted on final passage September 23, 2026, 9-0, after a public hearing. First reading was September 9.
• Next: In effect under the ordinance's terms; the minutes do not state an effective date or penalties.

Public hearing (September 23)

Director Ladd (Economic and Housing Development) and Business Administrator Pennington commented. Public speakers were Debra Salters and Nadirah Brown; their positions are not recorded. Council Member Kelly moved to close the hearing and adopt, seconded by Council Member Scott-Rountree. Vote: 9 yes (all members), 0 no.

First reading (September 9)

Council Member Kelly moved, Council Member Scott-Rountree seconded, to advance and adopt on first reading as 6F-f.

Related

Eviction Moratorium covers other tenant protection motions in the same weeks.

Sources

• City Council regular meeting minutes, September 23, 2026: https://legistar1.granicus.com/Newark/meetings/2026/9/302225_M_Municipal_Council_26-09-23_Meeting_Minutes.pdf
• City Council regular meeting minutes, September 9, 2026: https://legistar1.granicus.com/Newark/meetings/2026/9/302222_M_Municipal_Council_26-09-09_Meeting_Minutes.pdf

Log

2026-09-23 - City Council

Public hearing; adopted on final passage 9-0.

2026-09-09 - City Council

Adopted on first reading (Kelly, Scott-Rountree).