In a decisive move to improve citywide housing conditions, Mayor Ras J. Baraka has signed a landmark executive order establishing an annual public list of Newark’s “worst non-compliant landlords.” The order is designed to end a cycle where irresponsible owners collect rent while ignoring life-safety repairs, a practice the Mayor says places residents at risk and disproportionately burdens City resources.

“Newark residents have long been at the mercy of irresponsible landlords who are quick to collect the rent but slow to correct unsafe and unlivable conditions,” said Mayor Baraka. “This executive order puts more teeth in our laws to keep landlords in line and responsive to their tenants’ needs.”

Unmasking the “Controlling Individuals”

A central pillar of the Executive Order is its focus on Controlling Owners. The City has observed that some landlords use shell companies (LLCs) to avoid accountability. Under the new rules, any individual or entity with 10% or more ownership is deemed a “Controlling Individual.”

To ensure long-term accountability:

  • Paperwork Sleights: Transferring a property to a new business entity will not prevent inclusion on the list if the same individuals remain in control.
  • In-Person Requirement: Landlords on the list must complete all rental registrations in person. This task cannot be delegated to managers or attorneys; the actual owners must face City officials.
Criteria for the “Worst Landlords” List

The City has established a “Severity-Based Framework” to identify chronic offenders. An owner is deemed to have fallen below the Minimum Compliance Standard if any of the following occur within a 12-month period:

  • Repeated Violations: Three or more violations at one property, or five across a portfolio.
  • Failed Oversight: Two or more failed re-inspections or refusing to allow lawful inspections.
  • Chronic Neglect: Repeatedly relying on “temporary or partial repairs” that fail to fix underlying issues.
  • Retaliation: Documented cases of retaliating against tenants for reporting violations.
Consequences of Inclusion

Placement on the list is final for 365 days with no opportunity for early removal. Beyond public shaming, the City will use the list as an administrative hammer:

  1. Incentive Review: The City will reassess, modify, or revoke tax exemptions, abatements, and grants for any owner on the list.
  2. Resource Allocation: City departments will use the list to prioritize inspections and enforcement actions.
  3. No “Cure” Period: Because the list tracks repeated failure following prior notices, owners placed on the list are not provided an additional opportunity to appeal prior to publication.

How Residents Can Take Action

The City of Newark continues to urge tenants to be the first line of defense. If you are experiencing unsatisfactory living conditions, contact the Division of Code Enforcement immediately at 973-733-3813.

Photos courtesy of City of Newark Press Office.

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