N.J. Stat. tit. 2A, ch. 42

N.J. Stat. tit. 2A, ch. 42
in effect

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-1 Landlord's lien for rent; amount; taking goods or chattels to satisfy

No goods or chattels whatsoever, in or upon any real property leased for any term of life or lives, year or years, at will or otherwise, shall be liable to be taken, by virtue of any execution, attachment or other process, unless the party suing out the same shall, before the removal of such goods or chattels from the premises by virtue of such process, pay to the landlord of such premises all rent, not exceeding 1 year's rent, due for such premises at the time of the taking of such goods or chattels by virtue of such process, or which shall have accrued up to the day of the removal of the goods and chattels from the premises. If by the terms of the tenancy, the day of payment of the rent shall not have arrived, a rebate of interest shall be made on the sum not payable. If the arrears of rent shall exceed 1 year's rent, the party at whose action such process is sued out may, upon paying the landlord 1 year's rent, proceed to execute his process. The sheriff or other officer shall levy and pay to the plaintiff, as well the money so paid for rent as the money to be made by virtue of such process. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-2 Levy subject to landlord's lien; time of sale; notice

If any goods or chattels, in or upon any real property as provided by section 2A:42-1 of this title, shall be taken by virtue of any execution, attachment or other process and removed from the premises, the same shall not be sold by the sheriff or other officer so taking and removing them until 10 days after such removal, and not then unless the party at whose action such goods or chattels are so taken shall, before the sale thereof, pay to the landlord of such premises, such sum as he may be entitled to receive for rent under the provisions of said section 2A:42-1, provided the landlord shall, before the expiration of the 10 days above-mentioned, give notice to the sheriff or other officer holding such process of the amount of rent in arrear, and claim the same. Such notice may be served by delivering the same to the sheriff or other officer, or by leaving a copy thereof at his usual place of abode. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-3 Goods and chattels removed openly and in daytime; notice to defendant

No such goods and chattels shall be removed from the leased premises by the sheriff or other officer, except openly and in the daytime, and not then unless such officer shall, at the time of such removal, give notice thereof to the defendant, or, in his absence, to some person of his family residing on such premises, of such removal. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-4 Undertenant's liability for rent

When premises shall be underlet by any tenant, the undertenant shall be liable to the lessor or landlord for the rent which shall accrue from and after notice in writing served for that purpose upon the undertenant, or which shall be unpaid by the undertenant at the time of such notice, and the lessor or landlord shall have all the remedy for the recovery of the same by distress; but the rent to be paid by such undertenant shall in no case exceed the amount agreed to be paid by the first tenant. If only a part of the premises shall be underlet, payment shall be required only for the part underlet, at a rate proportioned to the rent agreed to be paid by the first tenant or lessee. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-5 Holding over by tenant after giving notice of quitting; double rent recoverable

If a tenant of real estate shall give notice of his intention to quit the premises by him held at a time specified in such notice, and shall not deliver up the possession of such real estate at the time specified in the notice, such tenant, his executors or administrators, shall, from such time, pay to his landlord or lessor, his heirs or assigns, double the rent which he should otherwise have paid, to be levied, sued for and recovered at the same times and in the same manner as the single rent before the giving of such notice could be levied, sued for and recovered. Such double rent shall continue to be paid during all the time such tenant shall continue in possession after the giving of such notice. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-6 Willful holding over by tenant after expiration of term; notice to deliver possession; penalty

When a tenant for any term or any other person coming into possession of any real estate by, from or under, or by collusion with such tenant, willfully holds over any such real estate after the determination of such term and after demand made and notice in writing for delivering the possession thereof, given by his landlord or lessor, or by the person to whom the remainder or reversion of such real estate shall belong, the person so holding over shall, for and during the time he so holds over or keeps the person entitled out of possession of such real estate pay to the person so kept out of possession, his executors, administrators or assigns, at the rate of double the yearly value of the real estate so detained, for so long a time as the same is detained. Such amount shall be recoverable by an action in any court of competent jurisdiction. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-6.1 Grace period for payment of rent

1. A person to whom rent is due and payable on the first of the month upon a lease or other agreement shall allow a period of five business days grace in which the rent due shall be paid. No delinquency or other late charge shall be made which includes the grace period of five business days. As used in this section, "business day" means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or State or federal holiday. L.1976,c.100,s.1; amended 2001, c.142, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-6.2 Violations; disorderly persons

Any person violating the provisions of this act shall be a disorderly person. L.1976, c. 100, s. 2, eff. Oct. 7, 1976.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-6.3 Applicability of act

3. The provisions of this act shall only be applicable to premises rented or leased by senior citizens receiving Social Security Old Age Pensions, Railroad Retirement Pensions or other governmental pensions in lieu of Social Security Old Age Pensions, and by recipients of Social Security Disability Benefits, Supplemental Security Income or benefits under Work First New Jersey. L.1976,c.100,s.3; amended 2001, c.142, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-7 Action for possession for nonpayment of rent; service of summons

A landlord or lessor to whom 1 year's rent in arrear is due, and who shall have the right to re-enter the demised premises for nonpayment thereof, may without a formal demand or re-entry, institute an action for the possession of such premises. If the summons in the action cannot be served in the usual manner, the landlord or lessor may affix the same upon the demised premises in a conspicuous place thereon, which affixing shall be deemed legal service thereof. The service or affixing shall take the place of a demand and re-entry. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-8 Judgment and execution bar to relief, except appeal

A lessee or other person claiming or deriving title under a lease who suffers judgment in said action for possession and execution to be executed thereon, without paying the rent and arrears, together with costs and without filing any complaint for equitable relief within 6 months after the execution is executed, shall be barred and foreclosed from all relief or remedy other than by appeal from the judgment, and the landlord or lessor shall, from thenceforth hold the demised premises discharged from the lease. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-9 Dismissal on payment of rent and costs; resumption of lease

If the tenant or his assignee shall at any time before the trial in the action for possession of the demised premises, pay or tender to the lessor or landlord, his executor, administrator or attorney, or pay into the court where the action for possession of the demised premises shall be pending, all the rents and arrears, together with the costs, all further proceedings in the action shall be dismissed. If the lessee, his executors, administrators or assigns, shall be granted equitable relief, he shall have, hold and enjoy the demised lands, according to the lease thereof made, without a new lease being made to him, provided the court shall so adjudge. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10 Rights of mortgagee; payment of rent and costs

Nothing contained in sections 2A:42-7 and 2A:42-8 of this title shall extend to bar the right of a mortgagee of such lease, or any part thereof, who shall not be in possession, if he shall, within 6 months after judgment is obtained and execution executed, pay all rent in arrear, costs and damages sustained by the lessor, or person entitled to the remainder or reversion and perform the covenants and agreements which on the part and behalf of the first lessee should be performed. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.1 Warrant or writ for removal; writ of possession; issuance; stays

Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, in any action brought by a landlord against a tenant to recover possession of premises or unit used for dwelling purposes, to which this act is applicable, whether by summary dispossess proceedings, civil action for the possession of land, or otherwise, the judge of the court having jurisdiction shall use sound discretion in the issuance of a warrant or writ for removal or writ of possession, and if it shall appear that by the issuance of the warrant or writ the tenant will suffer hardship because of the unavailability of other dwelling accommodations the judge may stay the issuance of the warrant or writ and cause the same to issue at such time as he shall deem proper under the circumstances, but in no case shall such judge stay the issuance of any such warrant or writ for possession for a longer period than 6 months after the date of entry of the judgment of possession; provided, however, that in no case shall the issuance of the warrant or writ be stayed or the stay thereof be longer continued, as the case may be, if the tenant should (a) fail to pay to the landlord all arrears in rent and the amount that would have been payable as rent if the tenancy had continued, together with the accrued costs of the action; or (b) during the stay, fail to continue to pay to the landlord the amount of rent that would be due if the tenancy had continued; or (c) during the stay, become so disorderly as to destroy the peace and quiet of the other tenants living in the same building or in the neighborhood; or (d) during the stay, willfully destroy, damage or injure the premises. L.1956, c. 81, p. 168, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.2 Rent payments not to create new tenancy

In no event shall any payment made by the tenant to the landlord for continued occupancy of any premises or unit, as provided in section 1 of this act, be deemed to create a new tenancy. L.1956, c. 81, p. 169, s. 2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.3 Applicability

This act shall be applicable only to those premises or units which on June 30, 1956, shall be subject to rent controls pursuant to the State Rent Control Act of 1953, as amended and supplemented, and municipal ordinances enacted thereunder and to any action or proceeding by a landlord against a tenant to recover possession of any such premises or unit. L.1956, c. 81, p. 169, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.4 Repealer

"An act concerning the issuance of warrants for removal and writs of possession in actions to recover possession of premises used for dwelling purposes," approved April 11, 1949, is repealed. L.1956, c. 81, p. 170, s. 4.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.5 Effective date

This act shall take effect June 30, 1956. L.1956, c. 81, p. 170, s. 5. Amended by L.1958, c. 90, p. 534, s. 1; L.1959, c. 27, p. 118, s. 1, eff. May 11, 1959.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.6 Judge to use sound discretion in issuing warrants or writs for removal or writs of possession; stay of issuance; limitation

1. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, in any action brought by a landlord against a tenant to recover possession of premises or unit used for dwelling purposes, to which this act is applicable, whether by summary dispossess proceedings, civil action for the possession of land, or otherwise, the judge of the court having jurisdiction shall use sound discretion in the issuance of a warrant or writ for removal or writ of possession, and if it shall appear that by the issuance of the warrant or writ the tenant will suffer hardship because of the unavailability of other dwelling accommodations the judge may stay the issuance of the warrant or writ and cause the same to issue at such time as he shall deem proper under the circumstances, but in no case shall such judge stay the issuance of any such warrant or writ for possession for a longer period than 6 months after the date of entry of the judgment of possession; provided, however, that in no case shall the issuance of the warrant or writ be stayed or the stay thereof be longer continued, as the case may be, if the tenant should (a) fail to pay to the landlord all arrears in rent and the amount that would have been payable as rent if the tenancy had continued, together with the accrued costs of the action; or (b) during the stay, fail to continue to pay to the landlord the amount of rent that would be due if the tenancy had continued; or (c) during the stay, become so disorderly as to destroy the peace and quiet of the other tenants living in the same building or in the neighborhood; or (d) during the stay, willfully destroy, damage or injure the premises. L.1957,c.110,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.7 Rent payments not to create new tenancy

In no event shall any payment made by the tenant to the landlord for continued occupancy of any premises or unit, as provided in section 1 of this act, be deemed to create a new tenancy. L.1957, c. 110, p. 215, s. 2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.8 Applicability

This act shall apply to all actions and proceedings by a landlord against a tenant to recover possession of premises used for dwelling purposes for which warrants or writs of removal shall not have been satisfied, but this act shall not be operative as to any premises under rent control. L.1957, c. 110, p. 215, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.9 Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately. L.1957, c. 110, p. 215, s. 4. Amended by L.1958, c. 90, p. 534, s. 2; L.1959, c. 27, p. 118, s. 2, eff. May 11, 1959.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.10 Reprisal as unlawful grounds for civil action for re-entry; action for damages or other appropriate relief by tenant

No landlord of premises or units to which this act is applicable shall serve a notice to quit upon any tenant or institute any action against a tenant to recover possession of premises, whether by summary dispossess proceedings, civil action for the possession of land, or otherwise: a. As a reprisal for the tenant's efforts to secure or enforce any rights under the lease or contract, or under the laws of the State of New Jersey or its governmental subdivisions, or of the United States; or b. As a reprisal for the tenant's good faith complaint to a governmental authority of the landlord's alleged violation of any health or safety law, regulation, code or ordinance, or State law or regulation which has as its objective the regulation of premises used for dwelling purposes; or c. As a reprisal for the tenant's being an organizer of, a member of, or involved in any activities of, any lawful organization; or d. On account of the tenant's failure or refusal to comply with the terms of the tenancy as altered by the landlord, if the landlord shall have altered substantially the terms of the tenancy as a reprisal for any actions of the tenant set forth in subsection a, b, and c of section 1 of this act. Substantial alteration shall include the refusal to renew a lease or to continue a tenancy of the tenant without cause. Under subsection b of this section the tenant shall originally bring his good faith complaint to the attention of the landlord or his agent and give the landlord a reasonable time to correct the violation before complaining to a governmental authority. A landlord shall be subject to a civil action by the tenant for damages and other appropriate relief, including injunctive and other equitable remedies, as may be determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in every case in which the landlord has violated the provisions of this section. L.1970, c. 210, s. 1, eff. Sept. 30, 1970.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.11 Grounds for judgment for tenant in unlawful action for possession by landlord

In any action brought by a landlord against a tenant to recover possession of premises or units to which this act is applicable, whether by summary dispossess proceedings, civil action for the possession of land, or otherwise, judgment shall be entered for the tenant if the tenant shall establish that the notice to quit, if any, or the action to recover possession was intended for any of the reasons set forth in subsections a, b, c, or d of section 1 of this act. L.1970, c. 210, s. 2, eff. Sept. 30, 1970.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.12 Rebuttable presumption; notice to quit or alteration of tenancy as reprisal

In any action or proceeding instituted by or against a tenant, the receipt by the tenant of a notice to quit or any substantial alteration of the terms of the tenancy without cause after: a. The tenant attempts to secure or enforce any rights under the lease or contract, or under the laws of the State of New Jersey, or its governmental subdivisions, or of the United States; or b. The tenant, having brought a good faith complaint to the attention of the landlord and having given him a reasonable time to correct the alleged violation, complains to a governmental authority with a report of the landlord's alleged violation of any health or safety law, regulation, code or ordinance; or c. The tenant organizes, becomes a member of, or becomes involved in any activities of, any lawful organization; or d. Judgment under section 2 of this act is entered for the tenant in a previous action for recovery of premises between the parties; shall create a rebuttable presumption that such notice or alteration is a reprisal against the tenant for making such attempt, report, complaint, or for being an organizer of, a member of, or involved in any activities of, any lawful organization. No reprisal shall be presumed under this section based upon the failure of a landlord to renew a lease or tenancy when so requested by a tenant if such request is made sooner than 90 days before the expiration date of the lease or tenancy, or the renewal date set forth in the lease agreement, whichever later occurs. L.1970, c. 210, s. 3, eff. Sept. 30, 1970.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.13 Application of act to rental premises for dwelling purposes

This act shall apply to all rental premises or units used for dwelling purposes except owner-occupied premises with not more than two rental units. Mobile home spaces and mobile homes shall constitute rental premises under this act. L.1970, c. 210, s. 4, eff. Sept. 30, 1970. Amended by L.1975, c. 124, s. 1, eff. June 5, 1975.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.14 Severability

If any provision of this act or the application thereof to any person or circumstances or the exercise of any power or authority thereunder is held invalid or contrary to law, such holding shall not affect other provisions or applications of the act which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications or affect other exercises of power or authority under said provisions not contrary to law, and to this end the provisions of this act are declared to be severable. L.1970, c. 210, s. 6, eff. Sept. 30, 1970.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.15 Short title

This act shall be known and may be cited as "The Fair Eviction Notice Act." L.1974, c. 47, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.16 Warrant for possession; execution.

2. In any proceeding for the summary dispossession of a tenant, warrant for possession issued by a court of appropriate jurisdiction: a. Shall include a notice to the tenant of any right to apply to the court for a stay of execution of the warrant, together with a notice advising that the tenant may be eligible for temporary housing assistance or other social services and that the tenant should contact the appropriate county welfare agency, at the address and telephone number given in the notice, to determine eligibility; b. Shall be executed not earlier than the third day following the day of personal service upon the tenant by the appropriate court officer. In calculating the number of days hereby required, Saturday, Sunday and court holidays shall be excluded; c. Shall be executed during the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., unless the court, for good cause shown, otherwise provides in its judgment for possession; d. Shall state the earliest date and time that the warrant may be executed, and also shall state that the warrant shall only be executed by an officer of the court; and e. Shall include a notice that it is illegal as a disorderly person's offense for a landlord to padlock or otherwise block entry to a rental premises while a tenant is still in possession of the premises unless such action is done in accordance with a distraint action involving a non-residential premises as permitted by law; shall state that removal of a tenant's belongings from a premises by a landlord after the eviction of a tenant may be done only in accordance with the provisions of P.L.1999, c.340 (C.2A:18-72 et al.); shall contain a concise summary of the provisions of this section and section 3 of P.L.2005, c.219 (C.2C:33-11.1) with special emphasis placed on the duties and obligations of law enforcement officers under those sections of law; and shall advise the occupant of the right to file a court proceeding pursuant to N.J.S.2A:39-1 et seq. Whenever a written notice, in accordance with the provisions of subsection a. of this section, is given to the tenant by the court, this shall constitute personal service in accordance with the provisions of subsection b. of this section. At the time a warrant for possession is lawfully executed, the court officer involved shall prepare a statement of "Execution of Warrant for Possession" and shall immediately deliver the statement to the landlord or the landlord's representative by personal service. The court officer shall deliver a copy of the statement to the tenant by personal service, however, if it cannot be personally served, it may be delivered in the manner provided under N.J.S.2A:18-54. The statement shall also be affixed to the door to the unit to which the warrant applies. The statement shall identify the warrant, the date of issuance of the warrant, the court and judge who issued the warrant, the date and time of execution of the warrant, and the name, signature and position of the person executing the warrant. The Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part shall retain jurisdiction for a period of 10 days subsequent to the actual execution of the warrant for possession for the purpose of hearing applications by the tenant for lawful relief. L.1974,c.47,s.2; amended 1984, c.180, s.11; 1991, c.91, s.87; 2005,c.319,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.16a Three-day period for tenant to submit rent payment.

1. a. In an eviction action for nonpayment of rent, pursuant to subsection a. of section 2 of P.L.1974, c.49 (C.2A:18-61.1), the court shall provide a period of three business days after the date on which a warrant for removal is posted to the unit or a lockout is executed due to nonpayment of rent, for the tenant to submit a rent payment. A late fee shall not be imposed in excess of the amount set forth in the application for a warrant for removal if all rent due and owing is paid within the three business day period established by this subsection. b. (1) A landlord shall accept all payments of rent made by a tenant within the three business day period established by subsection a. of this section and upon payment of the rent due and owing, within two business days thereafter, the landlord shall provide the court with written notice that the rent due and owing was paid. A copy of this notice shall be provided to the tenant. (2) Upon receipt of the written notice as provided in this subsection, the court shall dismiss with prejudice the action for nonpayment of rent. (3) If the tenant makes a timely payment within the three business day period established by subsection a. of this section, and the landlord fails to provide the court with written notice of the rent payment, the tenant may file a motion to dismiss with prejudice the action for nonpayment of rent upon notice to the landlord. L.2019, c.316, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-10.17 Warrant for removal; disorderly or destructive residential seasonal tenant

The provisions of any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, in any action alleging habitual violation of section 2b. of P.L.1974, c. 49 (C. 2A:18-61.1b.), or violation of section 2c. of P.L.1974, c. 49 (C. 2A:18-61.1c.), brought by a landlord against a tenant to recover possession of any furnished unit leased or rented for seasonal use in any premises of five or fewer units, the court having jurisdiction shall issue a warrant for removal within 2 days from judgment for possession. Such a warrant for removal may be stayed only upon consent by the landlord. For the purposes of this act "seasonal use" means use for a term of not more than 125 consecutive days for residential purposes by a person having a permanent place of residence elsewhere. "Seasonal use" does not mean use as living quarters for seasonal, temporary or migrant farm workers in connection with any work or place where work is being performed. The landlord shall have the burden of proving that the use of the unit is seasonal. L.1979, c. 392, s. 2, eff. Feb. 6, 1980.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-11 Action for rent

A person to whom rent is due upon a lease or other agreement may bring an action for such rent whether the term of the letting be for a definite term or for life or otherwise. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-12 Death of tenant for life; remedy for recovery of rent

When a tenant for life shall die before or on the day on which rent was reserved or made payable, upon a lease of real estate which determined on the death of the tenant for life, the executors or administrators of the tenant for life may in an action recover from the undertenant of the real estate, the whole, if the tenant for life dies on the day the same was made payable, or if before that day, then a proportion thereof, according to the time the life tenant lived in which the rent was growing due, making all just allowances or a proportional part thereof, respectively. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-13 Action for use and occupation; parol agreement for rent

The landlord, his heirs or assigns, may, where the agreement is not in writing, recover a reasonable satisfaction for the real estate, held or occupied by the defendant, in an action for the use and occupation of what was so held or enjoyed. No such action shall be defeated by a parol lease or agreement whereon a certain rent was reserved, but no damages may be recovered in excess of the amount of the rent so reserved. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-74 Legislative findings

The Legislature finds: (a) Many citizens of the State of New Jersey are required to reside in multiple dwelling units which fail to meet minimum standards of safety and sanitation and are compelled to pay rents disproportionate to the value of the facilities and services received; (b) It is essential to the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the State that owners of substandard multiple dwelling units be encouraged to provide safe and sanitary housing accommodations for the public to whom such accommodations are offered; (c) It is necessary, in order to insure the improvement of substandard multiple dwelling units, to authorize the governing bodies of municipalities to enact and impose rent controls on substandard multiple dwelling units until such dwelling units satisfy minimum standards of safety and sanitation. L.1966, c. 168, s. 1, eff. June 18, 1966.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-75 Definitions

The following terms whenever used or referred to in this act shall have the following respective meanings for the purposes of this act, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context. (a) "Public officer" shall mean the officer, officers, board or body who is or are authorized by ordinances adopted hereunder to exercise the powers prescribed by such ordinances and by this act. (b) "Owner" shall mean the holder or holders of the title in fee simple. (c) "Parties in interest" shall mean all individuals, associations and corporations who have interests of record in a multiple dwelling, and who are in actual possession thereof and any person authorized to receive rents payable for housing space in a multiple dwelling. (d) "Multiple dwelling" means and includes any building or structure and land appurtenant thereto containing 3 or more apartments or rented or offered for rent to 3 or more tenants or family units. (e) "Housing space" means that portion of a multiple dwelling rented or offered for rent for living or dwelling purposes in which cooking equipment is supplied, and includes all privileges, services, furnishings, furniture, equipment, facilities, and improvements connected with the use or occupancy of such portion of the property. The term shall not mean or include public housing or dwelling space in any hotel, motel or established guest house, commonly regarded as a hotel, motel or established guest house, as the case may be, in the community in which it is located. (f) "Bureau of Housing" means the Bureau of Housing in the State Department of Conservation and Economic Development. (g) "Substandard multiple dwelling" means any multiple dwelling determined to be substandard by the public officer. L.1966, c. 168, s. 2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-76 Promulgation of state housing code; scope of standards

Within 60 days following the effective date of this act the Bureau of Housing shall promulgate a State Housing Code which shall be effective in any municipality adopting an ordinance under this act. Said code shall set standards consistent with minimum health and safety requirements and covering, but not limited to, matters such as water supply, plumbing, garbage storage, lighting, ventilation, heating, egress, maintenance and use and occupancy. L.1966, c. 168, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-77 Authority to adopt ordinance regulating rents and possession of space in substandard multiple dwellings; provisions

Whenever the governing body of a municipality finds that the health and safety of residents of that municipality are impaired or threatened by the existence of substandard multiple dwellings, it may adopt an ordinance setting forth such a finding and providing for the regulation of rents and the possession of rental space in substandard multiple dwellings. Such ordinance shall include in its provisions that: (a) A public officer be designated or appointed to exercise the powers prescribed by the ordinance. (b) Whenever it appears by preliminary investigation that a multiple dwelling is substandard the public officer shall cause a complaint to be served upon the owner of and parties in interest in such multiple dwelling, stating the reasons why said multiple dwelling is deemed to be substandard and setting a time and place for hearing before the public officer. The owners and parties in interest shall be given the right to file an answer and to appear and give testimony. The rules of evidence shall not be controlling in hearings before the public officer. (c) If, after notice and hearing, the public officer determines the multiple dwelling under consideration is substandard he shall state his findings in writing and shall issue and cause to be served upon the owner or other person entitled to receive said rents an order requiring that such repairs, alterations or improvements necessary to bring such property up to minimum standards be made within a reasonable time. (d) Failure to complete such repairs, alterations or improvements within a reasonable time as fixed by the public officer shall be cause to impose rent control on the substandard multiple dwelling. (e) In establishing maximum rents which may be charged for housing space in a multiple dwelling subject to rent control, the permissible rents shall be sufficient to provide the owner or other person entitled to receive said rents with a fair net operating income from the multiple dwelling. The net operating income shall not be considered less than fair if it is 20% or more of the annual income in the case of a multiple dwelling containing less than 5 dwelling units or is 15% or more in the case of a multiple dwelling containing 5 or more dwelling units. In determining the fair net operating income, the public officer shall consider the following items of expense: heating fuel, utilities, payroll, janitorial materials, real estate taxes, insurance, interior painting and decorating, depreciation, and repairs and replacements and additions to furniture and furnishings which expenses shall be deducted from the annual income derived from the multiple dwelling. All items of expense and the amount of annual income shall be certified by the owner or other person entitled to receive said rents on forms provided by the public officer. (f) The imposition of rent control on any substandard multiple dwelling shall not operate to impair leases existing at the time of the adoption of an ordinance under this act, but shall take effect at the expiration of the term of any such lease and shall remain in effect thereafter so long as the multiple dwelling is subject to rent control. (g) It shall be unlawful for any person to demand or receive any rent in excess of the maximum rent established for housing space in multiple dwelling subject to rent control or to demand possession of the space or evict a tenant for refusal to pay rent in excess of the established maximum rent. The owner or other person entitled to receive said rents shall not be prevented, however, from exercising his rights to obtain possession of housing space from a tenant as a result of the tenant's violation of law or contract and the owner or other person entitled to receive said rents shall be provided reasonable grounds to obtain possession of premises for his own personal use and occupancy and for purposes of substantially altering, remodeling or demolishing the multiple dwelling. (h) Whenever the public officer finds that a multiple dwelling subject to rent control is no longer substandard, he shall so inform the governing body and rent control on said multiple dwelling shall be removed. L.1966, c. 168, s. 4.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-78 Registration of owners and management of multiple dwellings

Any ordinance adopted under this act may provide for the registration of the owners and management of every multiple dwelling in the municipality. Such registration shall be with the clerk of the municipality upon forms prescribed by and furnished by the municipality. Every such registration form shall include the name and address of the owner and the name and address of an agent in charge of the premises residing in the municipality. L.1966, c. 168, s. 5.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-84.1 Definitions

As used in this act: a. "Completion of construction" means issuance of a certificate of occupancy pursuant to section 15 of the "State Uniform Construction Code Act," P.L. 1975, c. 217 (C. 52:27D-133); b. "Constructed" means constructed, erected or converted but excludes rehabilitation of premises rented previously for residential purposes without an intervening use for other purposes for a period of at least two years prior to conversion. Mere vacancy shall not be considered an intervening use for the purposes of this subsection; c. "Constructed after the effective date of this act" means constructed pursuant to a construction permit issued on or after the effective date of this act; d. "Constructed for senior citizens" means constructed under a governmental program restricting occupancy of at least 90% of the dwelling units to senior citizens and any members of their immediate households or their occupant surviving spouses, or constructed as a retirement subdivision or retirement community as defined in the "Retirement Community Full Disclosure Act," P.L. 1969, c. 215 (C. 45:22A-1 et seq.); e. "Multiple dwelling" means any building or structure and land appurtenant thereto containing four or more dwelling units, other than dwelling units constructed for occupation by senior citizens, rented or offered for rent to four or more tenants or family units; f. "Period of amortization" means the time during which the principal amount of the mortgage loan and interest thereon would be paid entirely through periodic payments, whether or not the term of the mortgage loan is for a shorter period concluding with a balloon payment; and g. "Senior citizens" means persons 62 years of age or older. L. 1987, c. 153, s. 1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-84.2 Applicability of municipal rent control ordinances

2. a. In any municipality which has enacted or which hereafter enacts a rent control or rent leveling ordinance, other than under the authority of P.L.1966, c.168 (C.2A:42-74 et seq.), those provisions of the ordinance which limit the periodic or regular increases in base rentals of dwelling units shall not apply to multiple dwellings constructed after the effective date of this act, for a period of time not to exceed the period of amortization of any initial mortgage loan obtained for the multiple dwelling, or for 30 years following completion of construction, whichever is less. b. In the event that there is no initial mortgage financing, the period of exemption from a rent control or rent leveling ordinance shall be 30 years from the completion of construction. L.1987,c.153,s.2; amended 1999, c.291, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-84.3 Notice of exemption to tenants

The owner of any multiple dwelling exempted from a rent control or rent leveling ordinance pursuant to this act, shall, prior to entering into any lease with a person for tenancy of any premises located in the multiple dwelling, furnish the prospective tenant with a written statement that the multiple dwelling in which the premises is located is exempt from rent control or rent leveling for such time as may remain in the exemption period. Each lease offered to a prospective tenant for any dwelling unit therein during the period the multiple dwelling is so exempted shall contain a provision notifying the tenant of the exemption. L. 1987, c. 153, s. 3.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-84.4 Filing of owner's claim of exemption

The owner of any multiple dwelling claiming an exemption from a rent control or rent leveling ordinance pursuant to this act shall file with the municipal construction official, at least 30 days prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the newly constructed multiple dwelling, a written statement of the owner's claim of exemption from an ordinance under this act, including therein a statement of the date upon which the exemption period so claimed shall commence, such information as may be necessary to effectively locate and identify the multiple dwelling for which the exemption is claimed, and a statement of the number of rental dwelling units in the multiple dwelling for which the exemption is claimed. The owner shall, at least 30 days prior to the date of the termination of the exemption period afforded pursuant to this act, file with the municipal construction official a notice of the date of termination of the exemption period for the affected multiple dwelling. L. 1987, c. 153, s. 4.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-84.5 Exemptions from rent control, leveling, stabilization; legislative intent

5. a. It is the intent of P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.1 et seq.), that the exemption from rent control or rent leveling ordinances afforded under P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.1 et seq.) shall apply to any form of rent control, rent leveling or rent stabilization, whether adopted now or in the future, and by whatever name or title adopted, which would limit in any manner the periodic or regular increases in base rentals of dwelling units of multiple dwellings constructed after the effective date of P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.1 et seq.). No municipality, county or other political subdivision of the State, or agency or instrumentality thereof, shall adopt any ordinance, resolution, or rule or regulation, or take any other action, to limit, diminish, alter or impair any exemption afforded pursuant to P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.1 et seq.). b. The Legislature deems it to be necessary for the public welfare to increase the supply of newly constructed rental housing to meet the need for such housing in New Jersey. In an effort to promote this new construction, the Legislature enacted P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.1 et seq.), the purpose of which was to exempt new construction of rental multiple dwelling units from municipal rent control so that the municipal rent control or rent leveling ordinances would not deter the new construction. Although this legislation was initially made effective only for a temporary five-year period, it was expanded for a second five-year period by P.L.1992, c.206 until 1997, and then in that year made permanent by P.L.1997, c.56. At the time P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.1 et seq.) was introduced, the uniform method of financing construction of new apartments was through project-based mortgage loans. There was little, if any, new construction financed in any other way. Recently, however, there has been increased utilization of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and other public companies which could potentially be an important new source of construction of rental housing in New Jersey. These entities generally do not utilize project-based mortgages but instead obtain comprehensive financing not secured by individual mortgages as a more efficient and lower cost means of financing new construction. There has been confusion as to whether new construction undertaken by REITs and other such entities would be exempted from municipal rent control under the terms of section 2 of P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.2) when there is no initial mortgage financing. To eliminate any confusion and to facilitate the construction of new rental units for which there is no initial mortgage financing, section 1 of P.L.1999, c.291 amends section 2 of P.L.1987, c.153 (C.2A:42-84.2) to add a subsection b. to that section in order to clarify the Legislature's intent of providing an exemption from municipal rent control ordinances, except those adopted under the authority of P.L.1966, c.168 (C.2A:42-74 et seq.), by specifying that the period of time for exemption from rent control in such instances shall be 30 years following completion of construction. L.1987,c.153,s.5; amended 1999, c.291, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-84.6 Construction of multiple dwellings encouraged

It is the intent of this act to establish an experimental program whereby the construction of multiple dwellings in this State shall be encouraged, and the marketability of those multiple dwellings shall be maintained, to the greatest extent economically possible, through the exemption by law of newly constructed multiple dwellings from rent control, rent leveling and rent stabilization ordinances. The Legislature, therefore, declares it to be public policy of this State that, within the limitations imposed by this act, the exemptions granted under this act shall not be limited, diminished, altered, or impaired during the period of exemption afforded, in order to maintain in this respect a predictable environment within which the financing, construction and marketing of new multiple dwellings can occur, and to permit the Legislature to evaluate the results of the experimental program after a specified period of time during which the program shall have been given a fair opportunity for success, and during which the coherence of the statutory scheme establishing the program has been preserved. L. 1987, c. 153, s. 6.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-85 Findings

The Legislature finds: a. Many citizens of the State of New Jersey are required to reside in dwelling units which fail to meet minimum standards of safety and sanitation; b. It is essential to the health, safety and general welfare of the people of the State that owners of substandard dwelling units be encouraged to provide safe and sanitary housing accommodations for the public to whom such accommodations are offered; c. It is necessary, in order to insure the improvement of substandard dwelling units, to authorize the tenants dwelling therein to deposit their rents with a court appointed administrator until such dwelling units satisfy minimum standards of safety and sanitation; d. It is necessary to establish an efficient procedure whereby public officers, tenants and utility companies may act to stop and prevent wrongful diversion of utility services and thereby protect both the utility companies and their customers from fraud. L. 1971, c. 224, s. 1, eff. June 21, 1971. Amended by L. 1985, c. 411, s. 1, eff. Jan. 13, 1986.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-86 Definitions

The following terms whenever used or referred to in this act shall have the following respective meanings, unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context. a. "Public officer" shall mean the officer, officers, board or body who is or are authorized by the governing body of a municipality to supervise the physical condition of dwellings within such municipality pursuant to this act. b. "Owner" shall mean the holder or holders of the title in fee simple. c. "Parties in interest" shall mean all individuals, associations and corporations who have interests of record in a dwelling, and who are in actual possession thereof and any person authorized to receive rents payable for housing space in a dwelling. d. "Dwelling" means and includes all rental premises or units used for dwelling purposes except owner-occupied premises with not more than two rental units. e. "Housing space" means that portion of a dwelling rented or offered for rent for living or dwelling purposes in which cooking equipment is supplied, and includes all privileges, services, furnishings, furniture, equipment, facilities, and improvements connected with the use or occupancy of such portion of the property. The term shall not mean or include public housing or dwelling space in any hotel, motel or established guest house, commonly regarded as a hotel, motel or established guest house, as the case may be, in the community in which it is located. f. (Deleted by amendment, P.L. 1985, c. 411.) g. (Deleted by amendment, P.L. 1985, c. 411.) h. "Substandard dwelling" means any dwelling determined to be substandard by the public officer. i. "State Housing Code" means the code adopted by the Department of Community Affairs pursuant to P.L. 1966, c. 168 (C. 2A:42-74 et seq.). j. "Utility company" means a public utility, as defined in R.S. 48:2-13, or a municipality, county, water district, authority or other public agency, which provides electric, gas or water utility service. L. 1971, c. 224, s. 2, eff. June 21, 1971. Amended by L. 1985, c. 411, s. 2, eff. Jan. 13, 1986.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-87 Deposit of rents into court

A proceeding by a public officer, tenant, or tenants of a dwelling for a judgment directing the deposit of rents into court and their use for the purpose of remedying conditions in substantial violation of the standards of fitness for human habitation established under the State or local housing codes or regulations or a proceeding by a public officer, a tenant whose utility service has been diverted or a utility company for a judgment directing the deposit of rents into court and their use for correcting any wrongful diversion of utility service in a dwelling may be maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction. The place of trial of the proceeding shall be within the county in which the real property or a portion thereof from which the rents issue is situated. In cases involving real property located in municipalities in counties of the first class that have established full-time municipal housing courts, the proceedings may be brought in the municipal housing court of the municipality in which the property is located. L. 1971, c. 224, s. 3, eff. June 21, 1971. Amended by L. 1983, c. 207, s. 3, eff. June 10, 1983; L. 1985, c. 411, s. 3, eff. Jan. 13, 1986; L. 1986, c. 125, s. 4, eff. Oct. 9, 1986.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-88 Grounds for action

a. The public officer or any tenant occupying a dwelling may maintain a proceeding as provided in this act, upon the grounds that there exists in such dwellings or in housing space thereof a lack of heat or of running water or of light or of electricity or of adequate sewage disposal facilities, or any other condition or conditions in substantial violation of the standards of fitness for human habitation established under the State or local housing or health codes or regulations or any other condition dangerous to life, health or safety. b. A public officer, a tenant whose utility service has been diverted or a utility company providing electric, gas or water utility service to a dwelling may maintain a proceeding as provided in this act upon the grounds (1) that there exists in these dwellings or in housing space thereof a wrongful diversion of electric, gas or water utility service by the owner or owners or other party from a tenant of the dwelling without the consent of the tenant, or the use by the owner or other party in the dwelling without the tenant's consent of electric, gas or water utility service that is being charged to the tenant, and (2) that the owner has been notified by either a public officer, a tenant whose utility service has been diverted or a utility company of the wrongful diversion or unconsented use by certified mail and has failed to take necessary action to correct or eliminate the wrongful diversion or unconsented use within 30 days of receipt of such notice. If an owner fails or refuses to accept a notice sent by certified mail, the date of receipt shall be deemed to be the third day after mailing, provided the notice was sent to the owner at an address to which the owner's utility bills or municipal tax bills are sent. L. 1971, c. 224, s. 4, eff. June 21, 1971. Amended by L. 1985, c. 411, s. 4, eff. Jan. 13, 1986.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-89 Institution of action; service and notice of petition

a. A proceeding prescribed by this act shall be commenced by the service of a petition and notice of a petition. A notice of petition may be issued only by a judge or a clerk of the court. b. Notice of the proceeding shall be given to the nonpetitioning tenant occupying the dwelling by affixing a copy of the petition upon a conspicuous part of the subject dwelling. L.1971, c. 224, s. 5, eff. June 21, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-90 Contents of petition

The petition shall: a. Set forth material facts showing that there exists in such dwelling or any housing space thereof one or more of the following: (1) a lack of heat or of running water or of light or electricity or of adequate sewage disposal facilities; (2) a wrongful diversion of electric, gas, or water utility service by the owner or other party from the tenant of the dwelling without the consent of the tenant; (3) the use by the owner or other party in the dwelling without the tenant's consent of electric, gas, or water utility service that is being charged to the tenant; (4) any other condition or conditions in substantial violation of the standards of fitness for human habitation established under the State or local housing or health codes or regulations; or (5) any other condition dangerous to life, health or safety. b. Set forth that the facts shown in subsection a. of this section have been brought to the attention of the owner or any individual designated by him as the manager of said dwelling and that he has failed to take any action thereon within a reasonable period. c. Set forth that the petitioner is a tenant of the subject dwelling or is the public officer of the municipality in which the subject dwelling is located, or, in a case involving wrongful diversion or unconsented use of utility services, that the petitioner is a public officer, a tenant whose utility service has been wrongfully diverted or a utility company providing utility services to the dwelling. d. Set forth a brief description of the nature of the work required to remove or remedy the condition and an estimate as to the cost thereof. e. Set forth the amount of rent due from each petitioning tenant, if any, monthly. f. State the relief sought. L. 1971, c. 224, s. 6, eff. June 21, 1971. Amended by L. 1985, c. 411, s. 5, eff. Jan. 13, 1986.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-91 Defenses to action

It shall be a sufficient defense to the proceeding, if the owner or any mortgagee or lienor of record establishes that: a. The condition or conditions alleged in the petition did not in fact exist or that such condition or conditions have been removed or remedied; or b. Such condition or conditions have been caused maliciously or by abnormal or unusual use by a petitioning tenant or tenants or members of the family or families of such petitioner or petitioners. c. Any tenant or resident of the dwelling has refused entry to the owner or his agent to a portion of the premises for the purpose of correcting such condition or conditions. L.1971, c. 224, s. 7, eff. June 21, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-92 Judgment; service upon nonpetitioning tenants; deposit of rents with clerk of court

The court shall proceed in a summary manner and shall render a judgment either: a. Dismissing the petition for failure to affirmatively establish the allegations thereof or because of the affirmative establishment by the owner or a mortgagee or lienor of record of a defense or defenses specified in this act; or b. Directing that (1) the rents due on the date of the entry of such judgment from the petitioning tenant, if any, and the rents due on the dates of service of the judgment on all other tenants occupying such dwelling, from such other tenants, shall be deposited with the clerk of the court; (2) any rents to become due in the future from such petitioner and from all other tenants occupying such dwelling shall be deposited with such clerk as they fall due; (3) such deposited rents shall be used, subject to the court's direction, to the extent necessary to remedy the condition or conditions alleged in the petition and (4) upon the completion of such work in accordance with such judgment, any remaining surplus shall be turned over to the owner, together with a complete accounting of the rents deposited and the costs incurred; and granting such other and further relief as to the court may seem just and proper. A certified copy of such judgment shall be served personally upon each nonpetitioning tenant occupying such dwelling. If personal service on any such nonpetitioning tenant cannot be made with due diligence, service on such tenant shall be made by affixing a certified copy of such judgment on the entrance door of such tenant's apartment and, in addition, within 1 day after such affixing, by sending a certified copy thereof by registered mail, return receipt requested, to such tenant. Any right of the owner or parties in interest of such dwelling to collect such rent moneys from any petitioning tenant of such dwelling on or after the date of entry of such judgment, and from any nonpetitioning tenant of such dwelling on or after the date of service of such judgment on such nonpetitioning tenant as herein provided, shall be void and unenforceable to the extent that such petitioning or nonpetitioning tenant, as the case may be, has deposited such moneys with the clerk of the court in accordance with the terms of such judgment, regardless of whether such right of the owner arises from a lease, contract, agreement or understanding heretofore or hereafter made or entered into or arises as a matter of law from the relationship of the parties or otherwise. Any such rent moneys received by the owner or parties in interest shall be deposited immediately with the clerk of the court by such owner or parties in interest. It shall be a valid defense in any action or proceeding against any such tenant to recover possession of real property for the nonpayment of rent or for use or occupation to prove that the rent alleged to be unpaid was deposited with the clerk of the court in accordance with the terms of a judgment entered under this section. L.1971, c. 224, s. 8, eff. June 21, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-93 Order permitting performance of work in lieu of judgment; security; failure to exercise due diligence; hearing; judgment; appointment of administrator; powers

a. If, after a trial, the court shall determine that the facts alleged in the petition have been affirmatively established by the petitioner, that no defense thereto specified in this act has been affirmatively established by the owner or a mortgagee or lienor of record, and that the facts alleged in the petition warrant the granting of the relief sought, and if the owner or any mortgagee or lienor of record or parties in interest in the property, shall apply to the court to be permitted to remove or remedy the conditions specified in such petition and shall (1) demonstrate the ability promptly to undertake the work required; and (2) post security for the performance thereof within the time, and in the amount and manner deemed necessary by the court, then the court, in lieu of rendering judgment as provided in this act, may issue an order permitting such person to perform the work within a time fixed by the court. b. If, after the issuance of an order pursuant to subdivision a. of this section, but before the time fixed in such order for the completion of the work prescribed therein, it shall appear to the petitioner that the person permitted to do the same is not proceeding with due diligence, the petitioners may apply to the court on notice to those persons who have appeared in the proceeding for a hearing to determine whether judgment should be rendered immediately as provided in subdivision c. of this section. c. If, upon a hearing authorized in subdivision b. hereof, the court shall determine that such owner, mortgagee, lienor or parties in interest is not proceeding with due diligence, or upon the failure of such owner, mortgagee, lienor or parties in interest to complete the work in accordance with the provisions of said order, the court shall render a final judgment appointing an administrator as authorized in this act. Such judgment shall direct the administrator to apply the security posted by such person to the removing or remedying of the condition or conditions specified in the petition. In the event that the amount of such security should be insufficient for such purpose, such judgment shall direct the deposit of rents with the clerk, as authorized by this act, to the extent of such deficiency. In the event that such security should exceed the amount required to remove or remedy such condition or conditions, such judgment shall direct the administrator to file with the court, upon completion of the work prescribed therein, a full accounting of the amount of such security and the expenditures made pursuant to such judgment, and to turn over such surplus to the person who posted such security, together with a copy of such accounting. d. The court is authorized and empowered, in implementing a judgment rendered pursuant to this act, to appoint an administrator who may be a public officer of the municipality wherein the subject dwelling is situated, an incorporated or unincorporated association, or other responsible person or persons, except that no owner, mortgagee or lienor of the subject dwelling shall be appointed an administrator of said dwelling. The administrator is authorized and empowered, subject to the court's direction, to receive from the clerk such amounts of rent moneys or security deposited with said clerk as may be necessary to remove or remedy the condition or conditions specified in the judgment. L.1971, c. 224, s. 9, eff. June 21, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-94 Accounts of receipts and expenditures; presentation or settlement; notice

The court shall require the keeping of written accounts itemizing the receipts and expenditures under an order issued pursuant to this act, which shall be open to inspection by the owner, any mortgagee or lienor or parties in interest in such receipts or expenditures. Upon motion of the court or the administrator or of the owner, any mortgagee or lienor of record or of parties in interest, the court may require a presentation or settlement of the accounts with respect thereto. Notice of a motion for presentation or settlement of such accounts shall be served on the owner, any mortgagee or other lienor of record who appeared in the proceeding and any parties in interest in such receipts or expenditures. L.1971, c. 224, s. 10, eff. June 21, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-95 Compensation of administrator; bond

The court may allow from the rent moneys or security on deposit a reasonable amount for the services of an administrator appointed under the provisions of this act. The administrator so appointed shall furnish a bond, the amount and form of which shall be approved by the court. The cost of such bond shall be paid from the moneys so deposited. L.1971, c. 224, s. 11, eff. June 21, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-96 Waiver of provisions of act

Any provision of a lease or other agreement whereby any provision of this act for the benefit of a tenant, resident or occupant of a dwelling is waived, shall be deemed against public policy and shall be void. L.1971, c. 224, s. 12, eff. June 21, 1971.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-103 Definitions

As used in this act: "Continuing nuisance" means the keeping of a domesticated animal in a manner which interferes with the health, security and comfort of the other residents of a senior citizen housing project, or the keeping of domesticated animals of a number, size, breed or species inappropriate for the type or size of senior citizen housing project or a dwelling unit within that senior citizen housing project. "Domesticated animal" means a dog, cat, bird, fish or other animal which does not constitute a health or safety hazard. "Landlord" means, in the case of a senior citizen housing project in which dwelling units are rented or offered for rent under either a written or oral lease, the person or persons who own or purport to own the building, structure or complex of buildings or structures in which those rental dwelling units are situated. In the case of a senior citizen housing project that is organized or operated as a planned real estate development, landlord means the governing board or body of that development. "Planned real estate development" means any real property situated within the State, whether contiguous or not, which consists of, or will consist of, separately owned areas, irrespective of form, be it lots, parcels, units, or interests, and which are offered or disposed of pursuant to a common promotional plan, and providing for common or shared elements or interests in real property. It shall include, but not be limited to, property subject to the "Condominium Act," P.L.1969, c.257 (C.46:8B-1 et seq.), any form of homeowners' association, any housing cooperative or any community trust or other trust device. "Senior citizen" means a person 62 years of age or over and shall include a surviving spouse if that surviving spouse is 55 years of age or over. "Senior citizen housing project" or "project" means any building or structure, and any land appurtenant thereto, having three or more dwelling units, be they rental or owner-occupied, intended for, and solely occupied by, senior citizens; except that, it shall not include owner-occupied premises having not more than three dwelling units that are rented or offered for rent, or any health care facility as defined in the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act," P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.). L.1990,c.55,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-104 Resident of senior citizen housing project permitted to have domesticated animal

Any senior citizen residing in a senior citizen housing project shall, upon providing written notice to the landlord, be permitted to own, harbor or care for a domesticated animal while a resident of that project. L.1990,c.55,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-105 Arbitrary refusal to renew lease; penalty

a. A landlord shall not arbitrarily refuse to renew a lease for a dwelling unit in a senior citizen housing project to any senior citizen who owns, harbors or cares for a domesticated animal in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of this act, except as provided in section 5 of this act. Any landlord who so refuses to renew any such lease shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $500 for each offense, recoverable by the senior citizen resident in a civil action in a summary proceeding under "the penalty enforcement law" (N.J.S.2A:58-1 et seq.). The municipal court or the Special Civil Part of the Law Division of the Superior Court of the county in which the senior citizen housing project is located shall have jurisdiction to enforce the penalty. b. A landlord shall not require any senior citizen who resides in a senior citizen housing project to remove, by sale, donation, gift, or otherwise, any domesticated animal which that senior citizen owns, harbors or cares for in accordance with the provisions of section 2 of this act, except as provided in section 5 of this act. L.1990,c.55,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-106 Landlord immunity

a. A landlord who is in compliance with the provisions of this act shall not be liable to respond in damages in any civil action for injury to persons or property caused by a domesticated animal owned, harbored or cared for by a senior citizen who is in compliance with the provisions of this act. b. Nothing in this section shall grant the landlord immunity for a willful or wanton act of commission or omission. L.1990,c.55,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-107 Allowable circumstances for refusal to renew lease

Under the following circumstances, a landlord may refuse to renew a senior citizen's lease for a dwelling unit in a senior citizen housing project or may require that a senior citizen remove, by sale, donation, gift, or otherwise, a domesticated animal from a dwelling unit in a senior citizen housing project: a. When the existence of a domesticated animal or the senior citizen's refusal to comply with the rules and regulations governing domesticated animals constitutes a violation of federal, State or local building, health or use codes; b. When the senior citizen fails to properly care for the domesticated animal; c. When the senior citizen fails to properly control the domesticated animal by using a leash, if appropriate, or other necessary safety devices when walking or taking the domesticated animal to or from his dwelling unit or while on the land appurtenant thereto, or fails to take prompt action to remove any animal waste when requested by the landlord; or d. When the senior citizen fails to confine the domesticated animal's body waste functions to areas that do not interfere with the ingress and egress of any person to or from the senior citizen housing project, or with the use of common areas in and about the senior citizen housing project by the other residents thereof and their invitees. L.1990,c.55,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-108 Guard dog

The presence of a guard dog used by the landlord shall not constitute a waiver of the provisions of this act. L.1990,c.55,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-109 Rights of person with disabilities.

7. Nothing in this act shall impair the rights of a person with disabilities to own, harbor or care for a domesticated animal, including guide dogs and service dogs, in accordance with the "Law Against Discrimination," P.L.1945, c.169 (C.10:5-1 et seq.). L.1990,c.55,s.7; amended 2003, c.180, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-110 Removal of continuing nuisance

Nothing in this act shall limit the legal rights and remedies of a landlord under the lease or the master deed and bylaws, as the case may be, to remove a domesticated animal that constitutes a continuing nuisance to the welfare or property of either the landlord or the other residents of a senior citizen housing project, nor shall it limit the legal rights and remedies of that landlord or other residents. In any action to remove a domesticated animal or to evict a senior citizen from a senior citizen housing project for violating a lease due to the presence of a domesticated animal that is alleged to be a continuing nuisance, the plaintiff shall have the burden of proving that the domesticated animal is a continuing nuisance. L.1990,c.55,s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-111 Rules, regulations

a. A landlord shall have the right to promulgate reasonable written rules and regulations, in accordance with the provisions of this act, relating to the care and maintenance of domesticated animals by senior citizens, except that a landlord may not require that the domesticated animal be spayed or neutered. All such rules and regulations shall be transmitted, in writing, to the residents of each dwelling unit in the senior citizen housing project and shall be incorporated within each lease upon its subsequent renewal and the master deed and bylaws, as the case may be. b. A landlord may require that a senior citizen remove from the senior citizen housing project any offspring of his domesticated animal within eight weeks of their birth; except that, the landlord may require their removal at an earlier date if the offspring of that domesticated animal may be so removed without unreasonable danger to their health. L.1990,c.55,s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-112 Rights of municipality not limited

Nothing in this act shall limit the rights of a municipality to prohibit, by ordinance, the owning, harboring or keeping of certain species of animals within the municipality. L.1990,c.55,s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-113 Definitions; disclosure statements to senior citizen housing residents

2. a. As used in this section: "Landlord" means, in the case of a senior citizen housing project in which dwelling units are rented or offered for rent, the person or persons who own or purport to own the building, structure or complex of buildings or structures in which those rental dwelling units are situated. In the case of a senior citizen housing project that is organized or operated as a planned real estate development, landlord means the governing board or body of that development. "Planned real estate development" means any real property situated within the State, whether contiguous or not, which consists of, or will consist of, separately owned areas, irrespective of form, be it lots, parcels, units, or interests, and which are offered or disposed of pursuant to a common promotional plan, and providing for common or shared elements or interests in real property. It shall include, but not be limited to, property subject to the "Condominium Act," P.L.1969, c.257 (C.46:8B-1 et seq.), any form of homeowners' association, any housing cooperative or any community trust or other trust device. "Senior citizen" means a person 62 years of age or older and shall include a surviving spouse if that surviving spouse is 55 years of age or over. "Senior citizen housing project" means any building or structure, and any land appurtenant thereto, having three or more dwelling units, be they rental or owner occupied, intended for, and solely occupied by, senior citizens; except that, it shall not include owner-occupied premises having not more than three dwelling units that are rented or offered for rent, or any health care facility as defined in the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act," P.L.1971, c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.). b. Every landlord of a senior citizen housing project, and every landlord of a unit within a senior citizen housing project that is a planned unit development, shall give copies of the statements required by P.L.1974, c.50 (C.46:8-27 et seq.), P.L.1975, c.310 (C.46:8-43 et seq.) and section 1 of this act to each resident at the time of the signing of the lease and any renewal thereof, if the units in the project are rented or offered for rent. If the project is organized or operated as a planned real estate development, the governing board or body shall provide copies of the public offering statement approved by the Department of Community Affairs in accordance with P.L.1969, c.215 (C.45:22A-1 et seq.) or P.L.1977, c.419 (C.45:22A-21 et seq.) and of the current bylaws of the planned real estate development to all residents to whom copies of those documents were not previously issued either by the developer or by the governing board or body. Upon receipt of the statements or documents, as the case may be, the resident shall sign a form indicating that the landlord delivered the statements or documents as required under the provisions of this section. The owner shall keep the form on file for one year. The landlord shall post copies of the statements and documents in one or more locations so the statements and documents are prominently displayed and accessible to all the residents of the senior citizen housing project. c. Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as affecting a right guaranteed, or a responsibility imposed, on any person by any other law. L.1995,c.144,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-114 Short title.

1. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "Multifamily Housing Preservation and Receivership Act." L.2003,c.295,s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-115 Findings, declarations relative to multifamily housing.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Many citizens of New Jersey are adversely affected by blighted residential property, including both those who live in buildings that fail to meet adequate standards for health, safety and welfare or fail to meet reasonable housing code standards, and those who live in proximity to such buildings; b. Substandard and deteriorating buildings are a public safety threat and nuisance, and their blighting effect diminishes health, public safety and property values in the neighborhoods in which they are located; c. Left to deteriorate over time, these substandard and deteriorating buildings are likely to be abandoned, thereby endangering neighborhood residents and resulting in increased costs to the municipalities in which they are situate; d. The abandonment of substandard buildings furthermore results in the displacement of lower income tenants, thereby increasing the demand for affordable housing, which is already in short supply, and exacerbating homelessness faced by the citizens of New Jersey; e. The number of distressed multifamily buildings in the State which could be maintained as safe, affordable housing could be significantly increased if adequate public resources were made available to alleviate negative conditions in the rental housing stock throughout the State; f. While it is important to provide incentives for landlords to better maintain and improve their properties, it is recognized that there are situations in which it is necessary for other parties to intervene in the operation and maintenance of multifamily buildings, a procedure known as receivership, in order to ensure that they are not abandoned, and that they are maintained as sound, affordable housing, consistent with codes and safety requirements; g. When receivership becomes necessary, receivership activities and the implementation of receivership plans may be supported by grants and loans to be made available out of a newly-created Preservation Loan Revolving Fund, as provided hereunder; and h. In order to ensure that the interests of all parties are adequately protected, it is essential that State law provide clear standards and direction to guide the parties with respect to all aspects of receivership. L.2003,c.295,s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-116 Definitions relative to multifamily housing.

3. As used in P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.): "Agency" means the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency established under section 4 of P.L.1983, c.530 (C.55:14K-4); "Building" means any building or structure and the land appurtenant thereto in which at least half of the net square footage of the building is used for residential purposes; and shall not include any one to four unit residential building in which the owner occupies one of the units as his or her principal residence; "Code" means any housing, property maintenance, fire or other public safety code applicable to a residential building, whether enforced by the municipality or by a State agency; "Commissioner" means the Commissioner of Community Affairs; "Department" means the Department of Community Affairs; "Lienholder" or "mortgage holder" means any entity holding a note, mortgage or other interest secured by the building or any part thereof; "Owner" means the holder or holders of title to a residential building; "Party in interest" means: (1) any mortgage holder, lien holder or secured creditor of the owner; (2) any tenant living in the building; (3) any entity designated by more than 50 percent of the tenants living in the building as their representative; (4) the public officer; or (5) a non-profit entity providing community services in the municipality in which the building is located; "Plaintiff" means a party in interest or a qualified entity that files a complaint pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117); "Public officer" means an officer of the municipality appropriately qualified to carry out the responsibilities set forth in P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) and designated by resolution of the governing body of the municipality in which the building is located, except that in municipalities organized under the "mayor-council plan" of the "Optional Municipal Charter Law," P.L.1950, c.210 (C.40:69A-1 et seq.), the public officer shall be designated by the mayor; "Qualified entity" means any person or entity registered with the department on the basis of having demonstrated knowledge and substantial experience in the operation, maintenance and improvement of residential buildings; "Tenant" means a household that legally occupies a dwelling unit in a residential building. L.2003,c.295,s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-117 Action to appoint receiver.

4. A summary action or otherwise to appoint a receiver to take charge and manage a building may be brought by a party in interest or qualified entity in the Superior Court in the county in which the building is situated. Any receiver so appointed shall be under the direction and control of the court and shall have full power over the property and may, upon appointment and subject to the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.), commence and maintain proceedings for the conservation, protection or disposal of the building, or any part thereof, as the court may deem proper. A building shall be eligible for receivership if it meets one of the following criteria: a. The building is in violation of any State or municipal code to such an extent as to endanger the health and safety of the tenants as of the date of the filing of the complaint with the court, and the violation or violations have persisted, unabated, for at least 90 days preceding the date of the filing of the complaint with the court; or b. The building is the site of a clear and convincing pattern of recurrent code violations, which may be shown by proofs that the building has been cited for such violations at least four separate times within the 12 months preceding the date of the filing of the complaint with the court, or six separate times in the two years prior to the date of the filing of the complaint with the court and the owner has failed to take action as set forth in section 9 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-122). A court, upon determining that the conditions set forth in subsection a. or b. of this section exist, based upon evidence provided by the plaintiff, shall appoint a receiver, with such powers as are herein authorized or which, in the court's determination, are necessary to remove or remedy the condition or conditions that are a serious threat to the life, health or safety of the building's tenants or occupants. L.2003,c.295,s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-118 Contents of complaint.

5. A complaint submitted to the court shall include a statement of the grounds for relief and: a. Documentation of the conditions that form the basis for the complaint; b. Evidence that the owner received notice of the conditions that form the basis for the complaint, and failed to take adequate and timely action to remedy those conditions; and c. With respect to any building that contains non-residential facilities, including but not limited to commercial or office floor space, the complaint shall provide explicit justification for the inclusion of the non-residential facilities in the scope of the receivership order; in the absence of such justification, the court shall exclude such facilities from the scope of the receiver's duties and powers. The complaint may include a recommendation of the receiver to be appointed. L.2003,c.295,s.5.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-119 Serving of complaint.

6. The plaintiff shall serve the complaint and any affidavits or certifications that accompanied the complaint upon the parties in interest, the current owner of the property, and all mortgage holders and lienholders of record determined by a title search and in accordance with the Rules of Court. Unless tenants have been provided with written notice to the contrary or the plaintiff has knowledge to the contrary, the business address at which the owner or an agent of the owner may be served shall be that address provided by the owner to the commissioner in registering the property under section 12 of P.L.1967, c.76 (C.55:13A-12). The plaintiff shall mail notification to the public officer and the agency by registered mail or certified mail, return receipt requested, of its intent to initiate action under the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) on or before the tenth day prior to service of the complaint on the owner and parties in interest. If no municipal officer has been designated by the municipality for the purposes of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.), the plaintiff shall mail the notice to the municipal clerk. L.2003,c.295,s.6.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-120 Receipt of notice, determination of ownership.

7. Upon receipt of notice given by a plaintiff in a receivership proceeding pursuant to section 6 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-119), the agency shall forthwith determine whether the building is owned by a limited partnership established pursuant to an allocation of low income housing tax credits by the agency or any other project over which the agency has regulatory control, and, if the building is owned by such a limited partnership, shall, within 30 days of receiving notice, provide a copy of that notice to the limited partner or partners of the limited partnership by registered mail or certified mail, return receipt requested. A limited partner in a limited partnership established pursuant to an allocation of low income housing tax credits by the agency shall have the same rights and remedies under provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) as a lienholder. L.2003,c.295,s.7.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-121 Action of court relative to complaint.

8. a. The court shall act upon any complaint submitted pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117) in a summary manner; b. At the discretion of the court, any party in interest may intervene in the proceeding and be heard with regard to the complaint, the requested relief or any other matter which may come before the court in connection with the proceedings; c. Any party in interest may present evidence to support or contest the complaint at the hearing. L.2003,c.295,s.8.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-122 Opposition of owner to relief sought in complaint.

9. a. If the owner opposes the relief sought in the complaint brought under subsection b. of section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117) and demonstrates by a preponderance of the evidence that repairs were made in timely fashion to each of the violations cited, that the repairs were made to an appropriate standard of workmanship and materials, and that the overall level of maintenance and provision of services to the building is of adequate standard, the court may dismiss the complaint. b. If the complaint is brought by a tenant of the building which is the subject of the complaint and that tenant is in default of any material obligation under New Jersey landlord-tenant law, the court may dismiss the complaint. c. If the court finds that the preponderance of the violations that are the basis of a complaint brought under subsection b. of section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117) are of a minor nature and do not impair the health, safety or general welfare of the tenants or neighbors of the property, the court may dismiss the complaint. d. Within 10 days of filing the complaint, the plaintiff shall file a notice of lis pendens with the county recording officer of the county within which the building is located. L.2003,c.295,s.9.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-123 Appointment of receiver, other relief.

10. a. If the court determines, after its summary hearing, that the grounds for relief set forth pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-118) have been established, the court may appoint a receiver and grant such other relief as may be determined to be necessary and appropriate. The court shall select as the receiver the mortgageholder, lienholder or a qualified entity, as defined pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-116). If the court cannot identify a receiver, the court may appoint any party who, in the judgment of the court, may not have registered with the department pursuant to section 31 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-142), but otherwise fulfills the qualifications of a qualified entity. b. If the court determines, after its summary hearing, that the grounds for relief set forth pursuant to section 5 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-118) have been established, but the owner presents a plan in writing to the court demonstrating that the conditions leading to the filing of the complaint will be abated within a reasonable period, which plan is found by the court to be reasonable, then the court may enter an order providing that in the event the conditions are not abated by a specific date, including the completion of specific remedial activities by specific dates, or if the conditions recur within a specific period established by the court, then an order granting the relief as requested in the complaint shall be granted. The court may require the owner to post a bond in such amount that the court, in consultation with the party bringing the complaint and the public officer, determines to be reasonable, which shall be forfeit if the owner fails to meet the conditions of the order. c. Any sums advanced or incurred by a mortgage holder or lienholder acting as receiver pursuant to this section for the purpose of making improvements to the property, including court costs and reasonable attorneys fees, may be added to the unpaid balance due said mortgage holder or lienholder subject to interest at the same rate set forth in the note or security agreement. d. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to relieve the owner of the building of any obligation the owner or any other person may have for the payment of taxes or other municipal liens and charges, or mortgages or liens to any party, whether those taxes, charges or liens are incurred before or after the appointment of the receiver. e. The appointment of a receiver shall not suspend any obligation the owner may have as of the date of the appointment of the receiver for payment of any operating or maintenance expense associated with the building, whether or not billed at the time of appointment. Any such expenses incurred after the appointment of the receiver shall be the responsibility of the receiver. L.2003,c.295,s.10.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-124 Denial of rights, remedies afforded lien, mortgage holders.

11. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary pursuant to P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.), a court may in its discretion deny a lienholder or mortgage holder of any or all rights or remedies afforded lienholders and mortgage holders under P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.), if it finds that the owner of the building owns or controls more than a 50% interest in, or effective control of, the lienholder or mortgage holder, or that the familial or business relationship between the lienholder or mortgage holder and the owner precludes a separate interest on the part of the lienholder or mortgage holder. L.2003,c.295,s.11.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-125 Submission of plan by receiver.

12. Within 60 days following the order appointing a receiver pursuant to subsection a. of section 10 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-123), the receiver shall submit a plan for the operation and improvement of the building to the court and provide a copy of the plan to the owner, all parties in interest which participated in the hearing and the clerk of the municipality in which the building is situated. The plan shall include an enumeration of the insurance coverage to be purchased by the receiver, including surety bonds in an amount sufficient to guarantee compliance with the terms and conditions of the receivership and in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 31 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-142). The court shall approve or disapprove the plan with or without modifications. The receiver's plan, to the extent reasonably feasible, shall take into account a recent appraisal of the property and income and expense statements for at least the preceding two years, and shall include: a. an estimate of the cost of the labor, materials and any other costs that are required to bring the property up to applicable codes and standards and abate any nuisances that gave rise to the appointment of the receiver pursuant to section 10 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-123); b. the estimated income and expenses of the building and property after the completion of the repairs and improvements; c. the cost of paying taxes and other municipal charges; and d. the terms, conditions and availability of any financing that is necessary in order to allow for the timely completion of the work outlined in subsection a. of this section. The owner shall, to the extent such information is available, expeditiously provide the receiver with such income and expense statements. If the receiver's plan was submitted at the time of the hearing, the receiver may amend the plan subsequent to that hearing, and submit a revised plan to the court pursuant to this section. The commissioner may be called upon by the court in any proceeding involving the receivership. L.2003,c.295,s.12.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-126 Bond, surety, insurance posted by receiver, removal of receiver.

13. Upon appointment, the receiver shall post a bond or other such surety or insurance in accordance with the plan approved by the court pursuant to section 12 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-125). The receiver shall take possession of the building and any other property subject to the receivership order immediately after posting the required bond, surety or insurance and, subject to the approval of the court of the bond, surety and insurance, shall immediately be authorized to exercise all powers delegated by P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.), except that the receiver shall not undertake major non-emergent improvements to the property prior to approval of the receiver's plan by the court. Any receiver may be removed by the court at any time upon the request of the receiver or upon a showing by a party in interest that the receiver is not carrying out its responsibilities under P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). The court may hold a hearing prior to removal of a receiver under this section. L.2003,c.295,s.13.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-127 Filing, continuation of foreclosure unaffected.

14. a. Neither the filing of a complaint under section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117) nor the appointment of a receiver under subsection a. of section 10 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-123) shall stay the filing or continuation of any action to foreclose a mortgage or lien on the building or to sell the property for delinquent taxes or unpaid municipal liens. b. In the event that ownership of the building changes as a result of foreclosure while a receiver is in possession, including possession by the municipality pursuant to a tax foreclosure action, the property shall remain subject to the receivership and the receiver shall remain in possession and shall retain all powers delegated under this action unless and until the receivership is terminated under the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). L.2003,c.295,s.14.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-128 Powers, duties of receiver.

15. The receiver shall have all powers and duties necessary or desirable for the efficient operation, management and improvement of the building in order to remedy all conditions constituting grounds for receivership under P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). Such powers and duties shall include the power to: a. Take possession and control of the building, appurtenant land and any personal property of the owner used with respect to the building, including any bank or operating account specific to the building; b. Collect rents and all outstanding accounts receivable, subject to the rights of lienholders except where affected by court action pursuant to any of the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.); c. Pursue all claims or causes of action of the owner with respect to the building and other property subject to the receivership; d. Contract for the repair and maintenance of the building on reasonable terms, including the provision of utilities to the building. If the receiver falls within the definition of a contracting unit pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1971, c.198 (C.40A:11-2), any contract entered into by the receiver shall not be subject to any legal advertising or bidding requirements, but the receiver shall solicit at least three bids or proposals, as appropriate, with respect to any contract in an amount greater than $2,500. The receiver may enter into contracts or agreements with tenants or persons who are members of the receiver entity, as the case may be, provided that all such contracts or agreements shall be appropriately documented, and included in the receiver's expenses under P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). In the event that the receiver contracts for any service with an entity with which the receiver has an identity of interest relationship, it shall first disclose that relationship to the court, the owner and the parties in interest; e. Borrow money and incur debt in accordance with the provisions of section 17 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-130); f. Purchase materials, goods and supplies to operate, maintain, repair and improve the building; g. Enter into new rental contracts and leases for vacant units and renew existing rental contracts on reasonable terms for periods not to exceed one year; h. Affirm, renew or enter into contracts for insurance coverage on the building; i. Engage and, subject to court approval, pay legal, accounting, appraisal and other professionals to aid in carrying out the purposes of the receivership; j. Evict or commence eviction proceedings against tenants for cause when necessary and prudent, notwithstanding the condition of the building; and k. Sell the building in accordance with the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). L.2003,c.295,s.15.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-129 Responsibilities of receiver in possession of the building.

16. While in possession of the building, the receiver shall: a. Maintain, safeguard, and insure the building; b. Apply all revenue generated from the building consistent with the purposes of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) and the provisions of the plan submitted to and approved by the court. In the case of an officer or agent of a municipality acting as a receiver pursuant to the provisions of section 1of P.L.1942, c.54 (C.54:5-53.1), no revenue shall be applied to any arrears in property taxes or other municipal liens until or unless the municipal officer or agent finds that any material conditions found to exist by the court pursuant to section 10 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-123) have been abated, and that the building has remained free of any such conditions for a period of no less than six months of that certification; c. Implement the plan and, to the extent the receiver determines that any provision of the plan cannot be implemented, submit amendments to the plan to the court, with notice to the parties in interest and the owner; d. Submit such reports as the court may direct and submit a copy of those reports to the parties in interest and the owner. Such reports may include: (1) a copy of any contract entered into by the receiver regarding repair or improvement of the building, including any documentation required under subsection d. of section 15 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-128); (2) a report of the lease and occupancy status of each unit in the building, and any actions taken with respect to any tenant or lease; (3) an account of the disposition of all revenues received from the building; (4) an account of all expenses and improvements; (5) the status of the plan and any amendments thereto; (6) a description of actions proposed to be taken during the next six months with respect to the building; and (7) itemization of any fees and expenses that the receiver incurred for which it is entitled to payment pursuant to subsection a. of section 18 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-131), which were not paid during the period covered by the report, or which have remained unpaid since the beginning of the receivership. L.2003,c.295,s.16.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-130 Receiver may borrow money, incur indebtedness.

17. a. The receiver may borrow money and incur indebtedness in order to preserve, insure, manage, operate, repair, improve, or otherwise carry out its responsibilities under the terms of the receivership. b. With the approval of the court, after notice to the owner and all parties in interest, the receiver may secure the payment of any borrowing or indebtedness under subsection a. of this section by a lien or security interest in the building or other assets subject to the receivership. c. Where the borrowing or indebtedness is for the express purpose of making improvements to the building or other assets subject to the receivership, the court, after notice to the owner and all parties in interest, may authorize the receiver to grant a lien or security interest not in excess of the amount necessary for the improvements with priority over all other liens or mortgages, except for municipal liens. Prior to granting the receiver's lien priority over other liens or mortgages, the court shall find (1) that the receiver sought to obtain the necessary financing from the senior lienholder, which declined to provide such financing on reasonable terms; (2) that the receiver sought to obtain a voluntary subordination from the senior lienholder, which refused to provide such subordination; and (3) that lien priority is necessary in order to induce another lender to provide financing on reasonable terms. No lien authorized by the court shall take effect unless recorded in the recording office of the county in which the building is located. d. For the purposes of this section, the cost of improvements shall include reasonable non-construction costs such as architectural fees or building permit fees customarily included in the financing of the improvement or rehabilitation of residential property incurred by the receiver in connection with the improvements. L.2003,c.295,s.17.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-131 Receiver entitled to necessary expenses, reasonable fee.

18. a. The receiver shall be entitled to necessary expenses and to a reasonable fee, to be determined by the court. The expenses incurred by a receiver in removing or remedying a condition pursuant to P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) shall be met by the rents collected by the receiver or any other moneys made available for those purposes. b. Nothing in P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) shall be deemed to relieve the owner of the building of any civil or criminal liability or any duty imposed by reason of acts or omissions of the owner. c. The activities of the receiver being appropriate and necessary to carry out a public purpose, the personnel, facilities, and funds of the municipality may be made available to the receiver at the discretion of the municipality for the purpose of carrying out the duties as receiver and the cost of those services shall be deemed a necessary expense of the receiver, which shall reimburse the municipality to the extent that funds are reasonably available for that purpose. d. If the party in interest bringing a receivership action pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117) is the public officer, the municipality shall be entitled to its costs in filing an application to the court and reasonable attorney fees, to be determined by the court, which may be a lien against the premises and collectible as otherwise provided under law. L.2003,c.295,s.18.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-132 Release of outstanding municipal liens.

19. Upon request by the receiver and following notice by the receiver to the owner of the property, any municipality may, by order of the county board of taxation, release any outstanding municipal liens on any property subject to a receivership order under P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). In responding to such requests, the board shall balance the effect of releasing the lien on the municipality's finances with its effect on the preservation of the building as sound affordable housing. The owner of the property shall be personally liable for payment of the tax or other municipal charge secured by the lien. L.2003,c.295,s.19.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-133 Order for sale of building.

20. Upon application of the receiver, the court may order the sale of the building if it finds that: a. Notice was given to each current record owner of the building, each mortgagee or lienholder of record, and any other party in interest; b. The receiver has been in control of the building for more than one year at the time of application and the owner has not successfully petitioned for reinstatement under section 24 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-137); and c. The sale would promote the sustained maintenance of the building as sound, affordable housing, consistent with codes and safety requirements. L.2003,c.295,s.20.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-134 Manner in which building sold, alternatives.

21. In its application to the court, the receiver shall specify the manner in which it proposes the building to be sold, which alternatives shall include, but not be limited to the following: a. Sale on the open market to an entity qualified to own and operate multifamily rental property; b. Sale at a negotiated price to a not-for-profit entity qualified to own and operate multifamily rental property; c. Sale to an entity for the purpose of conversion of the property to condominium or cooperative ownership pursuant to the provisions of "The Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act," P.L.1977, c.419 (C.45:22A-21 et seq.), provided that that option shall not be approved except with the approval in writing of a majority of the tenants of the building, and provided further that, notwithstanding any provision of "The Planned Real Estate Development Full Disclosure Act," P.L.1977, c.419 (C.45:22A-21 et seq.), no tenant in residence prior to the date the plan of conversion is approved by the court shall be subject to eviction by reason of that conversion; or d. In the case of a one to four family building, sale to a household that will occupy one of the units as an owner occupant, which may be a sitting tenant. L.2003,c.295,s.21.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-135 Dismissal of receiver's application to sell property.

22. a. Upon application by the receiver to sell the property the owner or any party in interest may seek to have the receiver's application to sell the property dismissed and the owner's rights reinstated upon a showing that the owner meets all of the conditions set forth in section 25 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-138) and such other conditions that the court may establish. In setting the conditions for reinstatement, the court shall invite recommendations from the receiver. b. In connection with the sale, the court may authorize the receiver to sell the building free and clear of liens, claims and encumbrances in which event, all such liens, claims and encumbrances, including tax and other municipal liens, shall be transferred to the proceeds of sale with the same priority as existed prior to resale in accordance with section 23 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-136). L.2003,c.295,s.22.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-136 Sale of property.

23. Upon approval by the court, the receiver shall sell the property on such terms and at such price as the court shall approve, and may place the proceeds of sale in escrow with the court, except that unpaid municipal liens shall be paid from the proceeds of the sale. The court shall order a distribution of the proceeds of sale after paying court costs in the following order of priority: a. The reasonable costs and expenses of sale actually incurred; b. Municipal liens pursuant to R.S.54:5-9; c. Repayment of principal and interest on any borrowing or indebtedness incurred by the receiver and granted priority lien status pursuant to subsection c. of section 17 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-130); d. Other valid liens and security interests, including governmental liens, in accordance with their priority, including any costs and expenses incurred by the municipality as a receiver, but with respect to non-governmental liens, those duly recorded prior to the filing of the lis pendens notice by the receiver; e. Any fees and expenses of the receiver not otherwise reimbursed during the pendency of the receivership in connection with the sale or the operation, maintenance and improvement of the building and documented by the receiver as set forth in paragraph (7) of subsection d. of section 16 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-129); f. Any costs and expenses incurred by parties in interest in petitioning the court for receivership; and g. Any accounts payable or other unpaid obligations to third parties from the receivership. Those proceeds which remain after the distribution set forth in subsections a. through g. of this section shall be remitted to the owner. L.2003,c.295,s.23.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-137 Petition for termination of receivership by owner.

24. The owner may petition for termination of the receivership and reinstatement of the owner's rights at any time by providing notice to all parties in interest, unless the court shall establish a minimum duration for the receivership in the order appointing the receiver, which minimum duration shall not exceed one year. The owner shall provide timely notice of the petition to the receiver and to all parties in interest. The court shall schedule a hearing on any such petition. Prior to holding a hearing on the owner's petition, the court shall request a report from the receiver with its recommendations for action with respect to the owner's petition. L.2003,c.295,s.24.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-138 Granting of owner's petition.

25. After reviewing the receiver's recommendations and holding a hearing, the court may grant the owner's petition if it finds that: a. The owner's petition offers credible assurances that those elements of the plan which remain will be achieved by the owner within the time frame consistent with the plan submitted by the receiver and approved by the court; b. The owner has paid or deposits with the court all funds required to meet all obligations of the receivership, including all fees and expenses of the receiver, except as provided in subsection c. of this section; c. The owner agrees to assume all legal obligations, including repayment of indebtedness incurred by the receiver for repairs and improvements to the building resulting from the receivership; d. The owner has paid all municipal property taxes, other municipal liens, and costs incurred by the municipality in connection with bringing the receivership action; e. The owner posts a bond or other security in an amount determined to be reasonable by the court in consultation with the receiver and the public officer, but not in excess of 50% of the fair market value of the property, which shall be forfeit in the event of any future code violation materially affecting the health or safety of tenants or the structural or functional integrity of the building. Forfeiture shall be in the form of a summary proceeding initiated by the municipal officer, who shall provide evidence that such a code violation has occurred and has not been abated within 48 hours of notice, or such additional period of time as may be allowed by the court for good cause, and shall be in the amount of 100 percent of the cost of abating the violation for the first violation, 150 percent of the cost of abating the violation for the second violation, and 200 percent of the cost of abating the violation for any subsequent violation. The owner may seek approval of the court to be relieved of this requirement after five years, which shall be granted if the court finds that the owner has maintained the property in good repair during that period, that no material violations affecting the health and safety of the tenants have occurred during that period, and that the owner has remedied other violations in a timely and expeditious fashion; f. The court may waive the requirement for a bond or other security for good cause, where it finds that such a waiver will not impair the rights or interests of the tenants of the building; g. The reinstatement of the owner shall be in the interest of the public, taking into account the prior history of the building and other buildings within the municipality currently or previously controlled by the owner; h. The court may establish additional requirements as conditions of reinstatement of the owner's rights as it determines reasonable and necessary to protect the interest of the tenants and the residents of the neighborhood; i. Where the owner has conveyed the property to another entity during the pendency of the receivership, and the petition for reinstatement is brought by the new owner, the new owner shall be subject to all of the provisions of this section, unless the court finds compelling grounds that the public interest will be better served by a modification of any of these provisions; and j. Where the new owner is a lienholder that obtained the property through foreclosure, or through grant of a deed in lieu of foreclosure, that owner shall not be subject to the provisions of this section, but may seek to terminate the receivership by filing a petition for termination of the receivership pursuant to section 27 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-140). L.2003,c.295,s.25.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-139 Conditions for reinstatement of owner's rights.

26. a. The court may require as a condition of reinstatement of the owner's rights that the receiver or other qualified entity remain in place as a monitor of the condition and management of the property for such period as the court may determine, and may require such reports at such intervals as it deems necessary and appropriate from the monitor. The court may require the owner to pay a fee to the monitor in such amount as the court may determine. b. In the event of the owner's failure to comply with the conditions established for reinstatement of the owner's rights, or evidence of recurrence of any of the conditions for receivership set forth in section 4 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-117), the receiver, monitor or any party in interest may petition the court for reinstatement of the receivership at any time, which may be granted by the court in a summary manner after notice to the parties and a hearing, if requested by any of the parties. If the court reinstates the receivership, the entire bond or other security shall be forfeit and shall be provided to the receiver for the operation and improvement of the property. L.2003,c.295,s.26.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-140 Termination of receivership.

27. Upon request of a party in interest or the receiver, the court may order the termination of the receivership if it determines: a. The conditions that were the grounds for the complaint and all other code violations have been abated or corrected, the obligations, expenses and improvements of the receivership, including all fees and expenses of the receiver, have been fully paid or provided for and the purposes of the receivership have been fulfilled; b. (1) The mortgage holder or lienholder has requested the receivership be terminated and has provided adequate assurances to the court that any remaining code violations or conditions that constituted grounds for the complaint will be promptly abated, the obligations, expenses and improvements of the receivership, including all fees and expenses of the receiver, have been fully paid or provided for and the purposes of the receivership have been or will promptly be fulfilled; (2) Any sums incurred or advanced by a mortgage holder or lien- holder pursuant to this section, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees, may be added to the unpaid balance due the mortgage holder or lienholder, with interest calculated at the same rate set forth in the note or security agreement. c. (1) A new owner who was formerly a mortgage holder or lienholder and who has obtained the property through foreclosure or through grant of a deed in lieu of foreclosure has requested that the receivership be terminated and has provided adequate assurances to the court that any remaining code violations or conditions that constituted grounds for the complaint will be promptly abated, the obligations, expenses and improvements of the receivership, including all fees and expenses of the receiver, have been fully paid or provided for and the purposes of the receivership have been or will promptly be fulfilled; (2) The former owner of the property shall be personally liable for payment to the new owner of any costs incurred by the new owner to cover the obligations, expenses and improvements of the receiver. d. The building has been sold and the proceeds distributed in accordance with section 23 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-136); or e. The receiver has been unable after diligent effort to present a plan that can appropriately be approved by the court or is unable to implement a plan previously approved by the court or is unable for other reason to fulfill the purposes of the receivership. In all cases under this section, the court may impose such conditions on the owner or other entity taking control of the building upon the termination of receivership that the court deems necessary and desirable in the interest of the tenants and the neighborhood in which the building is located, including but not limited to those that may be imposed on the owner under section 25 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-138); except that a new owner who was formerly a mortgage holder or lienholder, or an affiliate thereof, and which has obtained the property through foreclosure or through grant of a deed in lieu of foreclosure and who demonstrates sufficient financial responsibility to the court shall not be required to post a bond. L.2003,c.295,s.27.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-141 Preservation Loan Revolving Fund to make grants, loans to receivers.

28. a. Beginning in the fiscal year in which P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) becomes effective, subject to the availability of funds in the Neighborhood Preservation Nonlapsing Revolving Fund established pursuant to section 20 of P.L.1985, c.222 (C.52:27D-320), the department may set aside from that fund a sum of up to $4 million per year to establish a Preservation Loan Revolving Fund for the purpose of making grants or loans, as the case may be, to receivers to implement plans which are consistent with rules and regulations adopted by the commissioner pursuant to section 31 of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-142). Up to three million dollars in the first year and up to four million dollars in each year thereafter may be set aside for grants and loans to receivers. b. The department shall establish terms for providing loans from the Preservation Loan Revolving Fund, including below market interest rates, deferred payment schedules, and other provisions that will enable these funds to be used effectively for any of the purposes of receivership in situations where a receiver cannot borrow funds on conventional terms without imposing hardship on the tenants or potentially impairing the purposes of the receivership. c. The department may make grants or loans, as the case may be, from the Preservation Loan Revolving Fund in connection with any property that is under receivership pursuant to P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) in order to further the purposes of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). d. The sum of $1 million from the first four million dollars to be deposited in the Preservation Loan Revolving Fund shall be used for the purpose of providing operating grants to nonprofit entities to enable such entities to act as receivers pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.) and to further housing preservation through other activities including, but not limited to, acquisition of rental property, management of rental property, provision of technical assistance and training to property owners, and any activities that further the goal of building the capacity of nonprofit entities to act as receivers under the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). In making grants under this section, the agency shall seek to assist a small number of entities that shall be geographically distributed among those areas with the greatest need to develop a high level of capacity and to benefit from economies of scale in the conduct of property management and receivership activities. L.2003,c.295,s.28.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-142 Rules, regulations.

31. a. The commissioner shall, within six months of the enactment of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.), adopt rules and regulations concerning registration of qualified entities. Pending the adoption of such rules and regulations by the commissioner, an entity shall be presumed to be qualified upon a finding by the department that approval of that entity would not be detrimental to the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the property or of the community. b. Within six months of the enactment of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.), the commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations setting forth minimum amounts of insurance coverage, by category, to be maintained on buildings under their control by receivers appointed pursuant to the provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). In addition, the commissioner shall adopt rules and regulations governing surety bonds which a receiver shall execute and file guaranteeing compliance with the terms and conditions of the receivership and any other provisions of P.L.2003, c.295 (C.2A:42-114 et al.). The commissioner may provide for a waiver or adjustment of any of these requirements when the commissioner finds that it would prevent an entity that is otherwise fully qualified to act as a receiver from being appointed receiver, so long as that entity can demonstrate a sufficient level of financial responsibility. L.2003,c.295,s.31.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-143 Procedures for collection of emergency contact information for senior citizen occupants; violations, penalties; definitions.

1. a. An administrator shall establish and implement procedures for the collection of emergency contact information for senior citizen occupants, which information shall be used to provide notice in the event of the death of a senior citizen occupant. b. The procedures required by subsection a. of this section shall include the provision of notice to, and opportunity for, each current and prospective senior citizen occupant to provide, and update as necessary, emergency contact information to enable the administrator to notify the emergency contact in the event of the death of the senior citizen occupant. c. Upon learning of the death of a senior citizen occupant, an administrator shall notify the emergency contact for that senior citizen occupant as soon as is practicable, but no later than 24 hours thereafter. An administrator who fails to provide notice as required pursuant to this subsection shall be liable to a civil penalty of $500, which may be collected and enforced by the Commissioner of Community Affairs, the Attorney General, or any other person pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). The municipal court and the Superior Court shall have jurisdiction of proceedings for the enforcement of the penalties provided by this subsection. d. The Commissioner of Community Affairs, in consultation with the Commissioners of Health and Human Services, may adopt regulations, pursuant to the "Administrative Procedure Act," P.L.1968, c.410 (C.52:14B-1 et seq.), regulating the collection of emergency contact information and the notification of an emergency contact as required pursuant to this section. e. As used in this section: "Administrator" means the person responsible for the daily administration and operation of a qualified housing facility. "Qualified housing facility" means any of the following: a rooming or boarding house licensed pursuant to the "Rooming and Boarding House Act of 1979," P.L.1979, c.496 (C.55:13B-1 et al.); a residential health care facility, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home licensed pursuant to the "Health Care Facilities Planning Act," P.L.1971 c.136 (C.26:2H-1 et seq.); a continuing care retirement community operating under a certificate of authority issued pursuant to the "Continuing Care Retirement Community Regulation and Financial Disclosure Act," P.L.1986, c.103 (C.52:27D-330 et seq.); and public housing designated for seniors that is owned by a housing authority created or continued pursuant to the "Local Redevelopment and Housing Law," P.L.1992, c.79 (C.40A:12A-1 et seq.). "Senior citizen occupant" means a person 62 years of age or older who resides in a qualified housing facility. L.2017, c.5, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-144 Definitions.

1. As used in this act: "Emergency period" means the period during which a public health emergency exists as declared by the Governor in Executive Order No. 103 of 2020, as extended, and the 60 days following the conclusion of this period. "Emergency period nonpayment court record" means any record of a landlord-tenant action filed with a court arising as a result of nonpayment or habitually late payment of rent during the emergency period, including but not limited to: a. any information maintained by a court in any form in connection with a landlord-tenant case or proceeding, including but not limited to pleadings, evidentiary exhibits, indices, calendars, and dockets; b. any order, judgment, or warrant related to a landlord-tenant action; c. any official transcript or recording of a public landlord-tenant proceeding, in any form; d. any information in a computerized case management system created or prepared by the court in connection with a landlord-tenant action; and e. any record provided to, made, or maintained by a judicial officer. L.2021, c.189, s.1.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-145 Confidentiality, unavailability to public.

2. An emergency period nonpayment court record shall be confidential and unavailable to the public. L.2021, c.189, s.2.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-146 Actions to ensure records kept confidential, unavailable to public.

3. a. Any New Jersey public entity that maintains a written or automated record or file of emergency period nonpayment court records shall take appropriate actions to ensure that these records are kept confidential and unavailable to the public. b. This act shall not prohibit the courts or other New Jersey public entities from retaining or distributing demographic information from emergency period nonpayment court records for the purpose of understanding the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on evictions, or for other public purposes, so long as personally-identifiable information on persons who are the subject of emergency period nonpayment court records remains confidential. c. The Supreme Court of New Jersey may adopt rules, and the Administrative Director of the Courts may issue directives and guidelines, to implement the purposes of this act. L.2021, c.189, s.3.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-147 Evaluation of prospective tenant.

4. a. When evaluating a prospective tenant, a landlord shall not consider an emergency period nonpayment court record. b. A person, tenant screening service, or other entity, shall not knowingly provide court filing information or information contained in an emergency period nonpayment court record to a landlord or other entity involved in the rental of a dwelling unit. c. No later than 30 days following the effective date of this act, any person or entity that collects, distributes, and sells court filing information shall update and remove any emergency period nonpayment eviction records that are restricted from public access pursuant to this act. L.2021, c.189, s.4.

N.J. Stat. § 2A:42-148 Violations, penalties.

5. Any person who knowingly violates section 4 of this act by revealing to the public an emergency period nonpayment court record, by considering an emergency period nonpayment court record in the evaluation of a prospective tenant, or by failing to remove emergency period nonpayment eviction records restricted from public access, shall, in addition to any other penalty provided by law, be liable for a penalty of not less than $1,000 for the first offense, and not less than $5,000 for the second and each subsequent offense, plus reasonable attorney fees. This penalty shall be exclusive of, and in addition to, any moneys or property ordered to be paid or restored to any person whose information has been wrongly considered or distributed. A penalty imposed pursuant to this section shall be enforceable by the Attorney General in a summary proceeding pursuant to the "Penalty Enforcement Law of 1999," P.L.1999, c.274 (C.2A:58-10 et seq.). L.2021, c.189, s.5.
Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislative-activity/statutesFetched: 10/17/2026

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