New York, NY asked in Landlord - Tenant for New Jersey

Q: My landlord has asked me to vacate the apartment I rent from her

Landlord has asked me to leave and I don’t believe she is following proper procedure. She gave me a letter to leave (12/29/21) as of 1/31/22 I have never been issued a written warning to cease or a notice to quit. She also failed to provide me with an original 2017 lease nor did she provide me with a new month to month lease. To my understanding she is asking me to leave because I have had visitors and my nephew at my home. She also in January of 2021 raised my rent without written notice (during pandemic) and also above the nj limit of 4%. I need some information on my rights and my courses of action. She ambushed me blocking my way to my apartment basically forcing me to sign it and has failed when asked to finally give me a copy of the original handwritten on computer paper lease. She responded with “happy to provide whatever information I find” Which seems like she doesn’t know where it is

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1 Lawyer Answer
Morris Leo Greb
Morris Leo Greb
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Rockaway, NJ
  • Licensed in New Jersey

A: New Jersey does not recognize self help. The only way a Landlord can force a tenant to vacate an apartment is to strictly follow the statutory requirements. Should the tenant not vacate the Landlord must file a complaint in Court which is served on the Tenant. A court hearing is scheduled. The tenant should attend the hearing and will be able to present his side of the events. It is at the conclusion of the hearing that the Judge will decide whether or not to issue a warrant for possession. The Landlord can not evict a tenant without going to Court.

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