Codifies and enhances use of breach of implied warranty of habitability as defense to certain eviction actions.

S 403 codifies the implied warranty of habitability for residential rental properties in New Jersey, requiring all leases (written or oral) to guarantee premises are safe, healthy, and fit for living. It directly affects tenants and landlords by allowing tenants to use habitability breaches (like unaddressed code violations) as a defense against eviction for unpaid rent, provided they notified the landlord. Key mechanisms include court-ordered inspections by code enforcement officials, automatic rent reductions for defective conditions, and court-mandated repair schedules for landlords. The bill ensures tenants can withhold rent for conditions reported within 12 months prior to eviction, with remedies retroactive to the notice date and prospective until repairs are completed. (Introduced January 13, 2026; pending in Senate Committee)