NJ A199

Creates expedited court process to remove unauthorized occupants (squatters) from real property, requiring courts to schedule hearings within 3 business days of receiving a verified complaint and hold the hearing within 5 business days after that

Property owners must certify that the occupant never had a lease, never paid rent, never had written permission to reside on the property, and was never a lawful tenant

Occupants must receive written notice of the proceeding within 24 hours of scheduling; if personal service fails, notice may be posted prominently on the property

Forging documents to use or circumvent the expedited ejectment process constitutes a third-degree crime, punishable by 3-5 years imprisonment and fines up to $15,000

Prevailing property owners entitled to treble damages for all damages caused by the unlawful entry and detainer, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees