N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-61.39
Liberal construction of act
Operative Text
This amendatory and supplementary act shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purposes thereof. L.1981, c. 226, s. 20, eff. July 27, 1981.
Section 2A:18-61.39 of N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. is a construction directive, instructing courts and agencies to interpret the broader act generously in order to fulfill its underlying purposes. Rather than reading the law's provisions narrowly or technically, decision-makers are expected to favor interpretations that advance the act's goals. This kind of liberal-construction clause can influence how ambiguous language elsewhere in the statute is resolved.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. should be aware that § 2A:18-61.39 signals that courts and administrative bodies will read the act's requirements broadly, not narrowly. Compliant operators generally document their actions carefully and avoid relying on technical loopholes, since a liberal-construction standard tends to favor the act's protective purposes over restrictive readings. Consulting with a qualified New Jersey attorney familiar with landlord-tenant law can help operators understand how this interpretive standard may apply to specific provisions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 2A:18-61.39 of N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq., courts and agencies are directed to interpret the act broadly to carry out its purposes, which can be significant when a tenant raises a dispute about how a particular provision applies. This liberal-construction standard may support broader readings of tenant protections when ambiguities arise in proceedings before a court or rent board. Tenants who believe a provision of the act applies to their situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service for general information about how this interpretive principle has been applied.
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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