NJ A4218

Landlords are prohibited from terminating tenancies, refusing to renew leases, or denying rental applications based on a tenant's, applicant's, or household member's status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.

Tenants must provide documentation to qualify for protections, including permanent restraining orders, law enforcement records, medical documentation, or certification from domestic violence specialists or licensed social workers.

Landlords who violate these protections may be held liable in civil court for damages, court costs, and reasonable attorneys' fees.

The bill amends existing tenant removal statutes (N.J.S.A.2A:18-53 and N.J.S.A.2A:18-61.1) to explicitly prohibit evicting tenants based on their victim status.

Protections also extend to tenants who previously terminated a lease under the "New Jersey Safe Housing Act" due to imminent threat of serious physical harm.