On January 17, 2014, Governor Christie signed S-2018 into law as P.L. 2013, c.206. The new law took effect on January 17, 2014, but applies only to new lease agreements for real property executed on or after February 1, 2014. The new law is intended to establish parity between tenants and landlords with regard to an award of attorney’s fees or expenses.

The law establishes an implied covenant in residential leases if the lease provides that a landlord can recover attorney fees and expenses. The implied covenant requires that the […]