New Jersey Eviction Notice Requirements

An eviction for unpaid rent starts with a written notice. Here is what New Jersey law requires before a landlord can go to court.

At a glance

How an eviction usually proceeds

1. Notice. The landlord serves the required written notice.
2. Court filing. If the tenant does not pay or move by the deadline, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.
3. Hearing. The tenant is served with court papers and can appear and raise defenses.
4. Judgment and removal. If the landlord wins, a court officer, not the landlord, carries out the removal after any required waiting period.

Timelines vary; see how long an eviction takes.

What tenants can do

• Read the notice carefully and note the deadline and the amount claimed.
• Pay in full before the deadline if the notice allows it, and get a receipt.
• Never ignore court papers; missing the hearing usually means losing by default.
• Look for local rental assistance and legal aid programs.

Step-by-step help: what to do when you get an eviction notice and the eviction notice response checklist. Deposit questions after moving out are covered in New Jersey security deposit laws. A real estate lawyer or legal aid office can review defenses.

Sources

1. Nolo: State laws on termination for nonpayment of rent