This bill amends section 3 of P.L.2019, c.300 (C.46:8-49.2) to broaden the definition of landlords who are required to provide receipts for cash rent payments made by tenants. The new legal language specifies that a landlord is defined as any person who rents or leases or offers to rent or lease one or more dwelling units for a term of at least one month, excluding those in hotels, motels, or other guest houses serving transient or seasonal tenants. This change aims to ensure that a wider range of landlords are held accountable for providing receipts for cash payments.

Additionally, the bill maintains the existing penalties for landlords who fail to comply with this requirement, with increased penalties for repeat violations within a five-year period. It also establishes that a landlord's failure to provide a receipt can serve as a valid defense for tenants in eviction proceedings related to nonpayment of rent. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 46:8-49.2