Bill
Bill > S2147
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026-2027 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that the sale of real estate by a homeowner is subject to the consumer fraud act. Specifically, the bill provides that the use of various fraudulent practices in connection with the sale or advertisement of real estate, including the sale of real estate by a homeowner, is an unlawful practice and a violation of the consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.). Pursuant to current law, the consumer fraud act only applies to commercial or professional sales of real estate. An unlawful practice under the consumer fraud act is punishable by a monetary penalty of not more than $10,000 for a first offense and not more than $20,000 for any subsequent offense. In addition, a violation can result in cease and desist orders issued by the Attorney General, the assessment of punitive damages, and the awarding of treble damages and costs to the injured party.
AI Summary
This bill amends the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.), to explicitly include the sale of real estate by individual homeowners under its protections, meaning that fraudulent practices in such sales are now considered unlawful and subject to penalties. Previously, the Consumer Fraud Act primarily applied to commercial or professional real estate transactions. The Act defines "merchandise" to now include "real estate," and establishes that deceptive practices, fraud, misrepresentation, or the intentional hiding of important facts during the sale or advertisement of real estate, even by a homeowner, constitutes an unlawful practice. Violations of the Consumer Fraud Act can result in significant monetary penalties, with fines of up to $10,000 for a first offense and up to $20,000 for subsequent offenses, along with potential cease and desist orders from the Attorney General, and the possibility of punitive, treble damages, and costs awarded to the injured party.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2026/S2147 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/S2500/2147_I1.HTM |
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