The Tenant Anti-Retaliation & Anti-Harassment Act establishes a rebuttable presumption of retaliation by landlords against tenants who file complaints regarding illegal activities. Specifically, if a landlord takes adverse actions, such as issuing a notice to quit or altering tenancy terms in violation of existing law, within six months of a tenant's complaint, the landlord may face significant penalties. These penalties include a civil fine of $5,000 for each violation, along with the recovery of reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses through a summary proceeding.

The bill aims to protect tenants from retaliatory actions by landlords, reinforcing their rights to report illegal activities without fear of retribution. The jurisdiction for enforcing these penalties will lie with the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part in the county where the rental property is located. This legislation is designed to create a safer and more equitable rental environment for tenants in New Jersey.