Bill > S279

This bill aims to protect tenants by making landlord-tenant court records confidential and regulating how landlords use information when evaluating rental applications. Specifically, it establishes that court records of landlord-tenant actions will generally be kept confidential for at least 60 days after filing, and indefinitely unless the action results in a judgment for possession. Even then, records may remain confidential if the tenant meets certain conditions or if the tenant successfully appeals. Landlords are prohibited from considering landlord-tenant actions that did not result in a judgment for possession or actual displacement, or judgments for possession that are three or more years old. Furthermore, landlords must provide prospective tenants with their screening criteria document and, if an application is rejected or approved with unusual conditions, must provide a written notice explaining the reasons and disclosing any screening information used. Violations of these provisions carry penalties, and individuals can sue for damages and attorney fees. The bill also makes it unlawful discrimination to refuse to rent to someone based on their past involvement in a landlord-tenant proceeding.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/S279