The Immigrant Tenant Protection Act aims to enhance protections for residential tenants in New Jersey, particularly concerning their immigration and citizenship status. The bill prohibits landlords from threatening to disclose or actually disclosing a tenant's immigration status to influence them to vacate a dwelling. It also bars landlords from evicting tenants based on their immigration status, unless such actions comply with federal programs related to rent limitations or assistance. Tenants who experience violations of these provisions can seek remedies, including actual damages, civil penalties, and attorney fees. Additionally, the bill establishes that immigration status is irrelevant in civil actions regarding housing rights, limiting inquiries into such status unless specific conditions are met.

Furthermore, the bill codifies the implied warranty of habitability, ensuring that all residential leases guarantee safe and livable conditions regardless of a tenant's immigration status. It also provides tenants with an affirmative defense against eviction actions if the eviction is based on their immigration status or failure to provide certain identification. The Commissioner of Community Affairs is tasked with creating and disseminating a summary of tenant and landlord rights under this act, which will be available in multiple languages to accommodate non-English speakers. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2A:42-10.10