This bill prohibits class action waivers in residential rental agreements specifically for claims related to violations of rent control laws. It declares any provision that attempts to waive, limit, or restrict a tenant's right to participate in class action suits as void and unenforceable, regardless of when the waiver was executed. Additionally, the bill establishes that such waivers will be considered prima facie evidence of a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act. Tenants subjected to these waivers are entitled to various remedies, including declaratory judgments, injunctions, actual damages, and reasonable attorney fees. Landlords found in violation of this bill will incur a penalty of $1,000 per affected dwelling unit.

The bill emphasizes the importance of collective legal remedies for tenants, as individual claims for rent overcharges can be financially impractical. It also clarifies that the provisions of this bill do not invalidate class action waivers in contexts unrelated to rent control enforcement, in line with the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in Pace v. Hamilton Cove. The bill is set to take effect immediately and will apply retroactively to all residential rental agreements in effect on or after the effective date, including claims arising from violations that occurred prior to this date.