NJ A3997

Renders void and unenforceable any lease provision that waives a tenant's right to participate in class action lawsuits arising from rent control law violations, regardless of when the waiver was signed or whether it appears in the original lease or an addendum.

Establishes that including a class action waiver in a rental agreement constitutes prima facie evidence of a violation of the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act.

Provides tenants subjected to prohibited class action waivers with remedies including declaratory judgment, injunctive relief, actual damages, and reasonable attorney's fees.

Imposes a $1,000 penalty per affected dwelling unit on landlords who violate the prohibition.

Applies retroactively to all rental agreements in effect on or after the bill's effective date, including claims arising from rent control violations that occurred before enactment.