Understanding Eviction Notices in New Jersey
In New Jersey, landlords can’t go straight to court. They must first issue the appropriate eviction notice based on the reason for the eviction, like unpaid rent or serious lease violations.
Our template simplifies the process. Fill in your details and download a New Jersey eviction notice that meets legal standards.
Types of Eviction Notices in New Jersey
New Jersey uses a variety of notice types in the eviction process. Each is tied to the reason for eviction, such as late payment or lease infractions.
30-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
Inform a tenant that rent is overdue with this form. Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2, the tenant will have thirty days to pay the overdue balance or leave the property before you can initiate eviction proceedings. Per N.J.S.A. § 2A:42-6.1, senior citizens get a 5-day grace period to pay rent, but there is no grace period for non-seniors.
30-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
Give tenants a 30-day notice period to pay their rent.
30-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Compliance
Issue this form when a tenant breaches lease terms. For non-compliance issues such as unauthorized pets or prohibited smoking, the landlord must first issue a notice to cease, requiring the tenant to rectify the violation within a set time. Failure to comply can lead to a 1-month notice to quit, giving the tenant 30 days to vacate the property per § 2A:18-61.2(3)(b) and § 2A-18-61.1(d). Non-adherence to this notice can result in eviction proceedings initiated by the landlord.
If the tenant engages in illegal activity, disorderly contact, or property damage, the required notice period is three days per § 2A:18-53(c) and § 2A:18-61.2).
30-Day Notice Quit for Non-Compliance
Begin evicting a tenant if they’ve broken the terms of your lease.
30-Day Notice Lease Termination
This form helps you signal your intention to end tenancy at a property with a 30-day notice period. It adheres to the minimum one-month notice requirement under § 2A:18-56.
30-Day Notice Lease Termination
Let a tenant know that you're ending a month-to-month lease.
How to Evict a Tenant in New Jersey
In New Jersey, eviction lawsuits are governed by N.J.S.A. §§ 2A:18-53 – 2A:18-84.
Step 1: Deliver a Notice to Quit
The landlord begins the eviction process by serving the proper notice to the tenant (via first-class mail, registered or certified mail, personal service, or a process server).
There are multiple grounds for an eviction, but the main reasons are when a tenant hasn’t paid rent on time or violates another lease agreement term.
Written notification will prove that you informed the tenant of the issue. Further, protect you if this reaches the court (make sure you document all rent payments and late fees due, and if the tenant attempted to pay any portion of rent or a late fee).
Step 2: File a Complaint and Summons
Suppose the tenant doesn’t correct their violation or leave the property within the given timeframe. In that case, the landlord must go to the Clerk of the Special Civil Part Office in the county where the property is located.
The landlord files a complaint and summons and pays a fee for the eviction.
Step 3: Serve the Tenant and Court Hearing
A court officer serves the tenant the summons, which lets the tenant know the court date, time, and location of the eviction hearing.
The landlord and tenant must go to the court hearing; otherwise, the result could be dismissal (if the landlord doesn’t show) or default judgment against the tenant (if the tenant doesn’t show).
Step 4: Take Back the Property
If the landlord wins the eviction lawsuit in court, either by court order after a hearing or default judgment, the landlord will receive a Judgment for Possession.
If the tenant still does not vacate the property, the landlord can apply for a Warrant for Possession, which legally permits the sheriff to remove the tenant.
Remember that tenants can move back into their rental properties if they pay all rent and fees owed to the landlord within three business days of lockout.
Related Court Forms
- Tenancy Summons and Return of Service: The landlord completes this form to request the tenant’s eviction and the property’s return.
- Verified Complaint Non-payment of Rent: The official complaint form to file when the tenant does not pay rent or there is another ground for eviction.
- Notice to Residential Tenants of Rights During Foreclosure: A notice is given to tenants when the rental property goes into foreclosure. It informs them of their rights and what to expect during foreclosure.
