NJ S4347

Establishes a Habitability Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Program within the Department of Community Affairs, including a Tenant Advocate Service and Affirmative Litigation Initiative to help tenants enforce habitable living conditions and pursue legal action against landlords with habitability violations

Codifies an implied warranty of habitability in every residential lease, allowing tenants to sue landlords for violations that remain unabated after written notice, with damages of $1,000 for standard violations and $2,000 each from landlord and principal agent for severe violations, plus attorney's fees

Requires landlords to designate a "principal agent" (a beneficial owner with at least 10-25% ownership interest) who can be held personally liable for severe habitability violations, including potential disorderly persons offense charges

Creates a habitability database maintained by the Commissioner of Community Affairs tracking landlord registration information, court judgments against landlords for habitability violations, and municipal code violations related to health, safety, and habitability

Appropriates $5 million from the General Fund to administer the program, with the law taking effect on the first day of the fourth month following enactment