46:8-9.5 - Findings, declarations relative to termination of lease agreements by domestic violence victims - New Jersey Statutes

46:8-9.5  Findings, declarations relative to termination of lease agreements by domestic violence victims.
2.The Legislature finds and declares:

a.Domestic violence is a serious crime that materially affects the health and safety of numerous New Jersey tenants and there are thousands of persons in this State who are regularly beaten, tortured, sexually assaulted and, in some cases, killed by their spouses or cohabitants;

b.The inability to terminate a lease and its corresponding financial obligations may prevent domestic violence victims from leaving abusive relationships and seeking help;

c.Domestic violence victims require an efficient method of terminating their lease obligations to escape abuse without that damaging their credit and rental history and, consequently, their ability to secure other safe housing; and

d.The assistance and cooperation of the entire community, including landlords, neighbors, and employers, is necessary to reduce the incidence of domestic violence in our State.

L.2008, c.111, s.2.