A 3702 New Jersey General Assembly · 2026-2027 Regular Session

Criminalizes owner or landlord knowingly renting dwelling to tenant that is illegal occupancy which causes serious bodily injury to or death of another person.

This New Jersey bill (A 3702) makes it a fourth-degree crime for a landlord or property owner to knowingly rent a dwelling that qualifies as "illegal occupancy" (violating housing codes, zoning, or health/safety regulations) when that rental causes serious bodily injury or death to another person. Landlords convicted face up to 18 months in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. The bill does not replace existing civil penalties for illegal occupancy but adds criminal liability specifically when harm occurs. It directly affects landlords who rent unsafe properties they knowingly allow to remain non-compliant.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2026 Last action Jan 13, 2026
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Jan 13, 2026
Introduced
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

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