Prohibits landlord from considering certain actions in tenant screening; clarifies that rent receivership action does not require rent deposit and may be based on implied warranty of habitability.

This bill (A 1303) strengthens tenant protections in New Jersey by restricting how landlords screen applicants and clarifying court procedures for habitability issues. Landlords cannot consider most past housing court cases when evaluating tenants (only recent judgments for eviction under specific conditions), must provide written reasons for denials including screening details, and face fines of $1,000+ for violations. It also clarifies that tenants or officials can seek court orders to fix unsafe living conditions (like lack of heat or plumbing) without requiring upfront rent deposits, and that such cases may be based on the basic right to habitable housing. The bill directly affects residential landlords and tenants in New Jersey, particularly those involved in housing court or habitability complaints.