Bill > S489

This bill authorizes municipalities to enact ordinances that allow for additional fines against landlords and tenants for illegal occupancy resulting in overcrowding, with fines escalating for repeat offenses up to $10,000. It clarifies that tenants can be held responsible if they signed a lease or received a rental policy specifying occupancy limits that were within code requirements, and additional occupants moved in without the landlord's consent. Owner-occupied properties are generally exempt unless rooms or apartments are being rented illegally. The bill also modifies existing laws to ensure that landlords cannot evict tenants for overcrowding if the tenant's conduct was the primary cause, and it outlines specific notice periods for evictions related to overcrowding. Additionally, it amends a statute concerning municipal penalties to allow for fines exceeding $2,000 when specifically authorized by statute, and it clarifies that "applicable code requirements" refer to standards set by the Department of Community Affairs, and "rental policy" includes leases and other landlord documents establishing occupancy limits.