A5264

New Jersey A5264 creates a rebuttable presumption of landlord retaliation if adverse actions occur within six months of tenant complaints.

New Jersey A5264, known as the "Tenant Anti-Retaliation & Anti-Harassment Act," establishes a rebuttable presumption that a landlord's actions, such as issuing a notice to quit or altering tenancy terms against a tenant's interests, are retaliatory if they occur within six months of a tenant's complaint about illegal activities. These activities include illegal lockouts, utility shut offs, threats, or harassment. If a landlord is found to have engaged in such retaliatory actions, they may face a civil penalty of $5,000 for each violation, along with reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses.