This bill amends the "Truth-in-Renting Act" by increasing the penalty for landlords who violate its provisions from $100 to $1,000 for each offense. The act requires landlords to provide tenants with a guidance document outlining their rights and responsibilities, prohibits mandatory electronic payments, mandates receipts for cash payments, and ensures that landlords accept rent by specific payment methods after an eviction order. The bill aims to enhance tenant protections by imposing stricter penalties on landlords who fail to comply with these regulations.

Additionally, the bill allows tenants to recover reasonable attorneys' fees, court costs, expenses for expert witnesses, and other related fees incurred while proving a violation of the "Truth-in-Renting Act." The enforcement of these penalties will be conducted through summary proceedings in the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part, where jurisdiction will be established based on the location of the rental premises. This legislative change is intended to strengthen tenant rights and hold landlords accountable for non-compliance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 46:8-47