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 issues in rental properties. The bill establishes a Habitability Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Program within the Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which will collaborate with local agencies to inform tenants of their rights and enforce habitability standards. It allocates $5 million for implementation and includes provisions for a Tenant Advocate Service to assist tenants in navigating habitability complaints. The bill also codifies the implied warranty of habitability in rental agreements, mandates landlords to appoint a principal agent for handling complaints, and outlines legal recourse for tenants, including the ability to sue for damages related to violations.

Additionally, the SLUMLORD Act introduces significant accountability measures for landlords, including personal liability for principal agents in cases of severe violations. It requires landlords to rectify identified habitability issues within a specified timeframe, with municipalities empowered to intervene at the landlord's expense if they fail to comply. The legislation also establishes a habitability database to track violations and relevant landlord information, ensuring better enforcement of standards. Furthermore, it modifies existing laws to clarify landlord responsibilities and extends tenants' rights to recover attorney's fees in habitability-related legal actions, thereby strengthening tenant rights and promoting safer living conditions.

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