§ 2A:42-91 — Defenses to action

It shall be a sufficient defense to the proceeding, if the owner or any mortgagee or lienor of record establishes that: a. The condition or conditions alleged in the petition did not in fact exist or that such condition or conditions have been removed or remedied; or b. Such condition or conditions have been caused maliciously or by abnormal or unusual use by a petitioning tenant or tenants or members of the family or families of such petitioner or petitioners. c. Any tenant or resident of the dwelling has refused entry to the owner or his agent to a portion of the premises for the purpose of correcting such condition or conditions. L.1971, c. 224, s. 7, eff. June 21, 1971.