Newark Mayor Ras Baraka took a major stand against housing non-compliance during Tuesday's State of the City address, publicly naming several property owners on a newly established "Worst Landlords" list.

The move follows an executive order signed by the mayor in February, which created an annual registry to identify and publicize "bad actors" who consistently fail to meet city housing codes.

According to the mayor, these landlords have shown a pattern of life-threatening housing complaints and have failed to provide safe, affordable environments for residents.

"These are bad actors that have not been able to uphold their end of the bargain," Mayor Baraka said during his address. "They have preyed on our residents for too long, and we have not been able to hold them accountable like we should. So today, we are publishing the first list."

The initiative is part of a broader decade-long effort by Newark's Office of Tenant Legal Services to prevent displacement and fight illegal evictions. Baraka noted that last year alone, the office assisted 188 residents, including 90 cases involving the nonpayment of rent.

By "naming and shaming" the city's least-compliant property owners, city officials hope to protect current tenants and discourage future code violations.

The mayor emphasized that the list will be updated annually to ensure property owners who fail to make necessary repairs remain in the public spotlight. Tenants experiencing issues are encouraged to contact the Office of Tenant Legal Services for assistance.