N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13B-1 et seq. § 55:13B-21
Violation of rights; action for damages; costs and attorney's fees
Operative Text
Any person or resident whose rights as defined herein are violated shall have a cause of action against any person committing such violation. The action may be brought in any court of competent jurisdiction to enforce such rights and to recover actual and punitive damages for their violation. Any plaintiff who prevails in any such action shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and costs of the action. L.1979, c. 500, s. 5.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13B-21, any person or resident whose rights under the rooming and boarding house statute are violated may bring a civil lawsuit in an appropriate court. A successful plaintiff can seek both actual damages—compensating for real losses—and punitive damages, which go beyond compensation to address the nature of the violation. The prevailing party is also entitled to recover reasonable attorney's fees and the costs of bringing the action.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.J.S.A. 55:13B-21 creates direct civil liability for operators of rooming and boarding houses who fail to respect residents' statutory rights. Compliant operators generally maintain clear records of their practices, adhere to all resident-rights requirements under the statute, and address complaints promptly to reduce exposure to both actual and punitive damages. Because a prevailing plaintiff can recover attorney's fees and costs, the financial stakes of a violation extend well beyond the underlying harm.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 55:13B-21 gives residents of rooming and boarding houses a private right of action when their statutory rights are violated, meaning a tenant may file a civil lawsuit directly against the person responsible. If successful, a tenant may recover actual damages for losses suffered, punitive damages depending on the circumstances, and reimbursement of reasonable attorney's fees and court costs. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand the range of options available under this provision.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.