NJ bill would block landlords from using immigration status to intimidate or evict tenants

1

TRENTON, N.J. — Proposed legislation in New Jersey aims to stop landlords from using a tenant’s immigration or citizenship status as a weapon to pressure or evict them for asserting their housing rights.

The bill would prohibit landlords from threatening to report, or actually disclosing, the immigration status of a tenant, occupant, or anyone associated with them in an attempt to force the tenant to vacate a rental unit. It would also bar landlords from initiating eviction proceedings based solely or partially on a person’s real or perceived immigration or citizenship status.

Tenants would be empowered to bring civil lawsuits seeking damages, penalties, court costs, and attorney’s fees against landlords who violate the law. The bill states that immigration or…