NJ A3995

Establishes legal standards for courts to evaluate unconscionable rent increases, considering factors including the rent amount, landlord expenses and profitability, comparable rents in the area, property condition, code violations, and length of tenancy.

Requires landlords to bear the burden of proof that rent increases are not unconscionable, and presumes increases are unconscionable if landlords violate transparency requirements such as proper registration and disclosure rules.

Creates penalties for unconscionable rent increases including lease reformation to the previous conscionable rate for 12 months, treble damages on excessive amounts paid, a $2,000 civil penalty, plus attorney's fees and court costs.

Allows tenants who receive rent increase notices to request written rationale from landlords within 10 days, and permits tenant associations to sue landlords on behalf of members after failed negotiations.

Prohibits landlords from filing eviction actions while tenant challenges to rent increases are pending in court, and bars retaliatory evictions against tenants who file unconscionable rent increase complaints.