Bill > A2795

Introduced Session

This bill criminalizes certain actions by "imposter landlords," who rent out or advertise for rent residential dwellings they do not own or lawfully possess. This bill provides that a person is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree by claiming ownership or possession of a residential dwelling without the permission of the lawful owner or the owner's agent in order to rent the property out or obtain another benefit. The bill provides that a person is also guilty of a crime of the fourth degree if those actions or representations cause another person to take possession of a residential dwelling in order to collect rent or obtain another benefit, without permission of the lawful owner or the owner's agent. A crime of the fourth degree is ordinarily punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 18 months or a fine of up to $10,000, or both. These types of frauds are often conducted through the internet, via postings to online marketplaces such as Craigslist. This bill does not apply to tenants, subtenants, lessees, sublessees, or assignees who have a lawful occupancy interest in a property. Finally, a person in violation of the provisions of this bill would not be immune from potential actions for theft, fraud, or any other civil or criminal liability.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D)*,  Anthony Verrelli (D)*,  Ralph Caputo (D),  Mila Jasey (D),  Bill Spearman (D),  Shanique Speight (D),  Britnee Timberlake (D), 

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading (on 03/08/2021)

Official Document