NJ A3156

Requires multiple dwelling owners to maintain properties free of bedbugs at their own expense and begin eradication within 10 days of written notice (7 days for seasonal rentals)

Mandates the Department of Health prepare an educational pamphlet on bedbug prevention, identification, and legal rights/responsibilities, which must be provided to tenants and included in the Truth in Renting booklet

Requires tenants to notify landlords in writing upon discovering or suspecting bedbug presence, and to grant access for inspections with at least 48 hours' notice

Authorizes local boards of health to act as agents for non-compliant landlords to hire exterminators, with costs charged to the property owner as a potential lien against the premises

Imposes civil penalties of up to $300 per affected dwelling unit and up to $1,000 per affected common area on landlords who fail to act, and allows landlords to deduct eradication costs from security deposits when tenants fail to maintain their units or report infestations