Establishes offense of harassment of residential tenant; expands liability of certain members of limited liability company that own residential rental properties.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Shanique Speight

New bill creates a crime of harassing residential tenants and expands personal liability for LLC members owning rental properties.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Housing Committee

Summary of Bill A4928 (Session 222, New Jersey)

Purpose and Intent

Establishes a new offense related to harassment of residential tenants.

Expands liability for certain members of limited liability companies (LLCs) that own residential rental properties.

Aims to strengthen protections for tenants and clarify accountability for property owners and LLC members involved in owning or managing rental housing.

Key Provisions

Harassment of Residential Tenant (New Offense)

Creates a specific crime of harassment directed at a residential tenant.
Defines prohibited conduct and the circumstances under which harassment is established (e.g., actions by a landlord or their agent intended to intimidate, threaten, or disrupt a tenant’s rights or quiet enjoyment of the dwelling).
Specifies penalties and potential defenses or mitigating factors (details would be in the bill’s text; typical harassment offenses may include fines and/or jail time, depending on severity and pattern).

Liability of LLC Members for Ownership of Residential Rental Properties

Expands the liability framework for members of LLCs that own or manage residential rental properties.
Potentially extends liability for certain wrongful actions by the LLC or its managers/agents to individual LLC members, creating accountability beyond the entity itself.
Could affect liability exposure in claims related to housing law violations, tenant protections, and related civil or criminal actions.

Who/What Is Affected

Tenants: Strengthened protections against harassment; clearer avenues for recourse and enforcement.

Landlords and Property Managers: New potential criminal exposure for harassment; heightened oversight of conduct by owners or agents.

LLC Members: Increased personal liability exposure in connection with ownership and management of residential rental properties; accountability extends beyond the corporate veil in specified situations.

Residential Rental Properties: Properties owned by LLCs with members who may face liability for harassment or related violations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction: Bill introduced on May 7, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Assembly Housing Committee.

Sponsors: Co-sponsor — Shanique Speight.

Next Steps (typical): Committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Assembly; if advanced, passage by both houses and signature by the Governor would be required to become law. Specific timelines depend on committee schedule and legislative priorities.

Practical Implications

Potential increase in tenant protections and leverage for enforcement agencies.

Possible changes in risk assessment for landlords and LLCs; may influence rental property operations, compliance practices, and tenant relations.

Could affect housing-related litigation strategies, with both criminal and civil implications for harassment and liability.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated purposes and provisions as of its introduction and does not include text not available in the provided materials. For a precise understanding, refer to the full bill language and subsequent amendments.