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 actions include illegal lockouts, utility shut-offs, threats, or harassment.

Under the provisions of the bill, landlords found to have engaged in such retaliatory actions will be liable for a civil penalty of $5,000 for each violation, in addition to being responsible for reasonable attorneys' fees and expenses. The bill also designates the Superior Court, Law Division, Special Civil Part in the county where the rental property is located as the jurisdiction for these proceedings. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.