NJ A1744

Landlord-tenant court records remain confidential for 60 days after filing and indefinitely unless the case results in a judgment for possession against the tenant.

Landlords are prohibited from considering eviction cases that did not result in a judgment for possession, were dismissed or reversed, or occurred more than three years prior to the rental application.

Landlords must provide written "Adverse Action Notice" to rejected applicants explaining the specific reasons for denial, disclosing all screening information accessed, and attaching any screening reports used.

Penalties for landlords violating the screening or notice requirements include at least $1,000 for a first offense and at least $5,000 for subsequent offenses, plus attorney fees.

Tenants may request that court records of eviction judgments more than three years old be purged from public records.