This bill aims to enhance the confidentiality of landlord-tenant court records in New Jersey and to address the adverse actions taken by landlords on rental applications. It establishes that court records of landlord-tenant actions will remain confidential and unavailable to the public for the first 60 days after filing and will remain confidential indefinitely unless a judgment for possession is issued. If such a judgment occurs, the record will become public after the 61st day or within 45 days of resolution, but only if the landlord prevails in the event of an appeal. Additionally, records will remain confidential under certain conditions, such as if the tenant prevails or if the judgment is subject to conditions that may lead to its vacating.

The bill also prohibits landlords from considering certain court actions when evaluating prospective tenants, specifically those that did not result in a judgment for possession or were dismissed or reversed. Furthermore, it mandates that landlords provide written notice to prospective tenants when taking adverse actions on rental applications, detailing the reasons and any screening information used. Violations of these provisions can result in penalties of $1,000 for the first offense and $5,000 for subsequent offenses, in addition to any other legal penalties. Overall, the bill seeks to protect tenants from unfair screening practices and improve their access to housing.