NJ A158

Municipalities may adopt ordinances authorizing fines on landlords and/or tenants for illegal occupancy resulting in overcrowding in buildings with four or fewer residential rental units, with penalties of up to $2,500 for a first violation, $5,000 for a second, and $10,000 for subsequent violations

Fines may be imposed on landlords, tenants, or both depending on who was the primary cause of overcrowding; tenants are considered responsible if they signed a lease specifying occupancy limits and added occupants without landlord consent

Landlords who issue a "notice to cease" to tenants regarding overcrowding and file an affidavit of good faith with the municipality are protected from summonses for six months while pursuing eviction

Creates a new ground for expedited tenant eviction (one month's notice) when the tenant's conduct was the primary cause of overcrowding, and exempts landlords from paying relocation assistance in such cases

Owner-occupied properties and seasonal rentals (125 days or less) are exempt from the additional fines, and all parties must be afforded a hearing before fines can be imposed