New Jersey Senate Bill S4347

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/12/25
• Refer: 5/12/25

Caption

The "Safeguarding Livable Units through Municipal Landlord Oversight and Regulation by DCA" or "SLUMLORD Act"; strengthens habitability protections for residential tenants; appropriates $5 million.

Impact

The bill significantly alters existing state laws by codifying the notion of habitability into law, which will facilitate greater legal recourse for tenants experiencing living condition issues. It allows tenants to pursue private causes of action for severe habitability violations that remain unaddressed despite proper notifications to landlords. Furthermore, landlords are required to designate a principal agent responsible for compliance, including the timely response to tenant complaints. The implications of these changes could lead to improved living conditions across the state, as landlords face stricter oversight and potential penalties for failing to maintain their properties.

Summary

Bill S4347, known as the 'Safeguarding Livable Units through Municipal Landlord Oversight and Regulation by DCA' or 'SLUMLORD Act,' aims to enhance protections for residential tenants against habitability violations. It establishes a robust framework for enforcing the implied warranty of habitability, ensuring that all rental units meet essential living standards. The legislation mandates the establishment of a Habitability Enforcement and Affirmative Litigation Program within the Department of Community Affairs, which is designed to educate tenants about their rights and to engage in litigation to enforce those rights. This initiative is particularly focused on landlords who manage multiple residential units and have a history of habitability violations.

Contention

While the bill strengthens tenant protections, it also raises concerns among landlord associations regarding the potential for increased litigation and stricter oversight of landlords. Advocates for the bill argue that it is essential to hold landlords accountable, especially in regions where habitability issues are prevalent. Conversely, critics fear that the additional regulatory burden could lead to increased housing costs for renters as landlords may pass down the expense of compliance and legal challenges. The discourse surrounding the SLUMLORD Act reflects broader tensions in housing policy, particularly regarding the balance of landlord and tenant rights.