New Jersey Eviction Law at a Glance
State Statute
N.J. Stat. §2A:18-61.1 — New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act
Notice Periods
- Nonpayment: 30-Day Notice (Before Court Filing)
- Lease violation: 30-Day Notice to Cease
- Unconditional: 3-Day Notice (Disorderly Conduct)
- End of tenancy: 30-Day Notice to Quit (Just Cause Required)
Available Defenses
- Habitability (N.J. Stat. §2A:42-85)
- Retaliation (N.J. Stat. §2A:42-10.10)
- Procedural defects
- Partial payment waiver
- Discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Right to Cure
YES — Tenant has right to pay full amount owed to cure nonpayment before judgment; just cause required for all evictions
Self-Help Eviction
PROHIBITED — Landlord must use court process (N.J. Stat. §2A:39-1)
Court & Filing
Superior Court (Special Civil Part)
Landlord must file summary dispossess action — New Jersey requires just cause for ALL evictions under Anti-Eviction Act
Complaints: New Jersey Attorney General Division of Consumer Affairs
Additional Protections
- New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act requires JUST CAUSE for ALL evictions — one of strongest tenant protections in US
- Tenant cannot be evicted simply because lease expires
- Self-help eviction is a criminal offense
- Tenant has right to cure nonpayment
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New Jersey Eviction Response FAQ
How many days do I have to respond to an eviction notice in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the response deadline depends on the type of eviction notice: Nonpayment: 30-Day Notice (Before Court Filing); Lease violation: 30-Day Notice to Cease; Unconditional: 3-Day Notice (Disorderly Conduct); End of tenancy: 30-Day Notice to Quit (Just Cause Required). Missing your deadline can result in a default judgment and forced move-out.
What defenses can I raise against eviction in New Jersey?
Available defenses in New Jersey include: Habitability (N.J. Stat. §2A:42-85), Retaliation (N.J. Stat. §2A:42-10.10), Procedural defects, Partial payment waiver, Discrimination (Fair Housing Act). The availability depends on your specific circumstances.
Does New Jersey require landlords to give tenants a right to cure?
Yes. Tenant has right to pay full amount owed to cure nonpayment before judgment; just cause required for all evictions
Can my landlord evict me without going to court in New Jersey?
No. Under N.J. Stat. §2A:39-1, self-help eviction is prohibited in New Jersey. Your landlord must file in Superior Court (Special Civil Part) and obtain a judgment.
What should I include in an eviction response letter in New Jersey?
Your letter should: (1) identify the notice by date and type, (2) cite N.J. Stat. §2A:18-61.1, (3) assert applicable defenses, (4) demand proper legal procedure, (5) state your intent to defend in court, and (6) be sent via certified mail.
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in New Jersey?
File complaints with the New Jersey Attorney General Division of Consumer Affairs and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For illegal self-help eviction, contact local law enforcement.
Eviction Response Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.