Newark Compiles Annual 'Worst Landlords' List

Mayor Ras Baraka signs executive order to hold negligent landlords accountable

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Newark, New Jersey has launched an annual list of the city's 'worst non-compliant landlords' in an effort to crack down on landlords who fail to maintain safe and livable conditions in their rental properties. The list will include landlords with repeated violations for issues like housing code violations, fire safety issues, and failure to correct problems after being notified.

Why it matters

The new 'worst landlords' list is an attempt by Newark officials to address long-standing problems with irresponsible landlords who neglect their properties and fail to address tenant concerns. By publicly shaming the worst offenders, the city hopes to compel landlords to be more responsive and compliant with housing regulations designed to protect tenant safety and wellbeing.

The details

Under the new executive order signed by Mayor Ras Baraka, landlords can land on the annual 'worst landlords' list if they accrue three or more violations within a 12-month period for a single property, or five violations across multiple properties. Violations can include failure to comply with housing codes, fire safety rules, construction requirements, and other city regulations. Once a landlord is placed on the list, they must wait a full year before being reevaluated.

  • Mayor Ras Baraka signed the executive order on February 19, 2026.

The players

Ras Baraka

The mayor of Newark, New Jersey who signed the executive order to create the annual 'worst landlords' list.

Newark Division of Code Enforcement

The city agency that will be responsible for tracking landlord violations and compiling the annual 'worst landlords' list.

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What they’re saying

“This executive order puts more teeth in our laws to keep landlords in line and responsive to their tenants' needs.”

— Ras Baraka, Mayor of Newark (Patch.com)

What’s next

The first 'worst landlords' list is expected to be published by the Newark Division of Code Enforcement later this year.

The takeaway

Newark's new 'worst landlords' list is an aggressive move to hold negligent property owners accountable and improve living conditions for the city's renters. By publicly shaming the worst offenders, the city hopes to compel landlords to be more responsive to tenant concerns and comply with housing regulations.