Establishes Rent Control Enforcement Unit in DCA; authorizes residential tenant to petition for review of alleged violation of local rent restriction.

This bill establishes a Rent Control Enforcement Unit (RCEU) within New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs to address violations of local rent control laws. It directly affects residential tenants who can petition the RCEU to investigate suspected illegal rent increases, and landlords who may face enforcement actions. The RCEU can order rent reductions (to the lowest rate in the past year), impose penalties up to four months' rent, or allow tenants to break leases early. The unit will also provide a dedicated helpline and online portal for reporting violations, with $3 million initially allocated from the General Fund to support its operations.