N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-61
Unlawful acts by housing provider
Operative Text
10. A person shall not interfere with, restrain, or deny the exercise of, or the attempt to exercise, any right protected under this act. If the division determines that a housing provider has engaged in one or more unlawful actions against a person with the intent of retaliating for the person's filing of an action against the housing provider pursuant to section 12 of this act, then each unlawful retaliatory action shall be enforced, pursuant to section 12 of this act, as a separate and distinct violation of this act. L.2021, c.110, s.10.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-61, no person may interfere with, restrain, or deny another person's exercise of rights protected by this act. If the Division of Housing determines that a housing provider took unlawful actions in retaliation for a tenant's filing of a complaint or legal action under the act, each retaliatory act is treated as a separate and distinct violation, potentially multiplying the consequences the housing provider faces. This provision is designed to protect the integrity of the complaint process by discouraging retaliation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-61 prohibits housing providers from taking any action that interferes with, restrains, or denies a tenant's protected rights under the act. Compliant operators generally refrain from any adverse action—such as issuing notices, reducing services, or initiating eviction proceedings—that could be construed as retaliation following a tenant's complaint or legal filing. Because the Division of Housing may treat each retaliatory act as a separate violation, property managers typically document the independent, non-retaliatory business reasons behind any adverse action taken near the time of a tenant complaint.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-61 gives tenants the right to be free from interference, restraint, or denial of any right protected under the act, including protection against retaliation for filing a complaint or legal action against a housing provider. If a tenant believes a housing provider has taken adverse action in response to a protected filing, the Division of Housing has authority to investigate and may treat each retaliatory act as a separate violation. Tenants who believe their rights under this provision have been violated may consider filing a complaint with the Division of Housing or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general information about available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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