The "Safeguarding Livable Units through Municipal Landlord Oversight and Regulation by DCA" or "SLUMLORD Act" is designed to enhance tenant protections in New Jersey by addressing habitability violations in rental units. The bill establishes a Habitability Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Program within the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which will provide tenants with information about their rights and pursue legal action against landlords who fail to maintain safe living conditions. Key provisions include the codification of an implied warranty of habitability in rental agreements, the requirement for landlords to appoint a principal agent to handle tenant complaints, and the introduction of personal liability for landlords and their agents in cases of severe violations.

Additionally, the bill creates a habitability database to track violations and compliance, and it allocates $5 million from the General Fund for its implementation. It allows tenants to sue for damages related to habitability issues, ensures they are not penalized for withholding rent due to unresolved problems, and mandates that landlords rectify severe violations within a specified timeframe. If they fail to do so, municipalities or the Affirmative Litigation Initiative can intervene at the landlord's expense, which will become a lien against the property. Overall, the SLUMLORD Act aims to strengthen tenant rights and hold landlords accountable for maintaining livable conditions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 46:8-28, 42:2C-30, 2A:18-61.66