Eviction in New Jersey
State-specific overview · Property & Real Estate
New Jersey provides strong tenant protections, requiring "just cause" for eviction and allowing 30 days' notice minimum.
How New Jersey treats Eviction
New Jersey restricts evictions to specific grounds, including non-payment, lease violation, and owner occupancy, requiring landlords to prove just cause. Landlords must serve 30 days' notice for non-payment and lease violations. The eviction process, called "dispossession," proceeds through Superior Court and includes discovery and trial rights for tenants. New Jersey also prohibits eviction retaliation and requires landlords to maintain habitable premises.
The general definition of Eviction
The legal process by which a landlord removes a tenant from rental property.
Eviction is the formal legal process a landlord uses to force a tenant to leave the property. The landlord must have a valid reason—such as non-payment of rent, lease violation, or the end of the lease term—and must follow strict procedural rules, which vary by state. Typically, the landlord must give written notice (often 30 days or more), file a case in court, and obtain a judgment from a judge before the tenant can be physically removed. A tenant has the right to defend themselves in court and present their side of the story.
Read the full Eviction entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.