Bill > A3702

Introduced Session

This bill makes it a fourth degree crime for an owner or landlord to knowingly rent a dwelling to a tenant that is an illegal occupancy which causes serious bodily injury to or the death of another person. A crime of the fourth degree is punishable by up to 18 months imprisonment, fine of up to $10,000, or both. Under current law, an owner or landlord who rents a dwelling to a tenant that is an illegal occupancy may be subject to certain civil penalties and fines as set forth in N.J.S.A.2A:18-61.1 et seq. including, but not limited to, reimbursing a tenant for relocation expenses in the amount equal to six times the monthly rent if the tenant is evicted for illegal occupancy. A conviction under this bill would not preclude the imposition of any other criminal, civil, or administrative remedy or penalty provided by any other provision of law. "Illegal occupancy" is defined in the bill as an occupancy in residential premises that fails to comply with local or State housing regulations or codes, local zoning ordinances, or has violations affecting the health and safety of the tenants.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Alixon Collazos-Gill (D)*,  Bob Auth (R),  Linda Carter (D),  Shama Haider (D),  Cleopatra Tucker (D), 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document