Newark Mayor Ras Baraka is taking action against non‑compliant landlords in the city.

He signed an executive order at City Hall creating an annual list of Newark's worst landlords. City officials said the list is meant to protect tenants by identifying property owners who show a pattern of failing to follow city codes.

"What does this mean? It means that while you're on this list you cannot get any city incentives, any city benefits whatsoever," Baraka said. "You can't get tax abatements, you can't get any city assistance in any capacity not just in the property you're in but in any property that you have and any development that you're planning to do in the city going forward."

Non‑compliance is defined as repeated failure to follow specific laws. They include health and fire safety regulations, rental property registrations, not allowing required inspections, and failing to correct violations.

The mayor said publicizing the list should make landlords more accountable.