"Tenants Anti-Retaliation & Anti-Harassment Act"; establishes rebuttable presumption for complaints by tenant of illegal activity by landlord.

This bill, known as the Tenant Anti-Retaliation & Anti-Harassment Act, strengthens protections for tenants in New Jersey by establishing a legal presumption that landlords acted retaliatorily if they take adverse actions against tenants within six months of a tenant complaint. Specifically, if a landlord issues a notice to quit or makes substantial changes to tenancy terms - such as illegal lockouts, utility shut-offs, threats, or harassment - soon after a tenant files a complaint, the law presumes retaliation unless the landlord can prove otherwise. Violations of this presumption can result in a $5,000 civil penalty per incident, plus reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees and expenses, enforceable through a summary proceeding in the appropriate county court. The act applies to complaints made under existing tenant protection laws and takes effect immediately upon passage.