2A:18-61.64 Report of violation, investigation, penalties.
3. a. A tenant or prospective tenant may report a violation of the provisions of P.L.2002, c.133 (C.2A:18-61.62 et seq.) to the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Law and Public Safety. The director shall investigate any complaint within 10 days of receipt of the complaint.
b. If the director determines that a violation of this act has occurred:
(1) a penalty may be assessed against the landlord in an amount equal to six times the monthly rental sought to be imposed upon a tenant in contravention of the "Notice of Rent Protection Emergency"; or
(2) any penalties for violations of the New Jersey consumer fraud act, P.L.1960, c.39 (C.56:8-1 et seq.) may be sought by the director.
c. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections a. and b. of this section, a tenant shall have the right to petition a court of competent jurisdiction to terminate a lease containing a provision in violation of the provisions of P.L.2002, c.133 (C.2A:18-61.62 et seq.).
L.2002,c.133,s.3.