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 would allow municipalities to adopt ordinances authorizing the issuance of summonses upon certain landlords and tenants alleged to have violated occupancy requirements resulting in overcrowding. The bill would allow for the imposition of fines upon a culpable landlord or tenant of up to $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second violation, and $10,000 for each subsequent violation. These fines would be in addition to any other fines or penalties authorized by law. The bill would require that a hearing be held before any fines could be imposed. The bill would not be applicable to seasonal rentals or to buildings with more than four residential rental units. The bill would also clarify existing law by distinguishing between illegal occupancies resulting in overcrowding that are caused by landlords and those that are caused by tenants, specifying that landlords are not obligated to pay tenant relocation costs when the tenant's own conduct is the primary cause for the overcrowding. This is consonant with the holdings in
AI Summary
This bill allows municipalities to create ordinances that permit the issuance of summonses to landlords and tenants for violating occupancy limits, leading to overcrowding in residential rental units within buildings containing four or fewer units. If overcrowding is confirmed after a hearing, fines can be imposed: up to $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent offenses, in addition to any other existing penalties. The bill clarifies that landlords are not responsible for tenant relocation costs if the tenant's actions are the primary cause of the overcrowding, which occurs when the tenant agreed to occupancy limits in a lease or rental policy, the limits were within code, and additional occupants moved in without the landlord's consent. Owner-occupied properties are exempt unless rooms or apartments are being rented out illegally. The bill also amends existing laws to specify that a tenant's conduct being the primary cause of overcrowding can be grounds for eviction without requiring tenant relocation assistance, and it establishes a one-month notice period for eviction proceedings related to overcrowding. Seasonal rentals and buildings with more than four residential rental units are excluded from these provisions.
Committee Categories
Housing and Urban Affairs
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing 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/A152 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2026/A0500/152_I1.HTM |
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