NJ A5432

Establishes criteria for courts to determine whether a rent increase is unconscionable, including the amount of increase, landlord expenses and profitability, comparison to comparable properties and HUD Fair Market Rents, bargaining positions of parties, whether the increase would shock the conscience of a reasonable person, length of tenancy, and property condition

Places the burden of proof on landlords to demonstrate that a rent increase is not unconscionable

Excludes from public access court records of eviction cases where no judgment for possession was entered, or where a judgment for possession was entered seven or more years ago

Exempts rent increases that comply with local rent control ordinances or are regulated by local, state, or federal affordable housing programs

Takes effect immediately, except the provision on excluding eviction records from public access takes effect six months after enactment