Requires residential landlord to accept rent payment by certain means; increases penalty for violating certain rent acceptance requirements.

This New Jersey bill (S 4685) requires residential landlords to accept rent payments made by cash, certified checks, money orders, personal checks, or through government/local rental assistance programs. It directly affects landlords and tenants in residential leases by mandating these payment methods for on-time rent, regardless of other payment options a landlord may offer. Violations carry a $2,000 penalty per offense, enforceable by the state or through tenant lawsuits for the same amount plus legal fees. Landlords may also prohibit future personal check payments if a check bounces, but tenants remain responsible for associated fees. The bill takes effect immediately.