New Jersey 60-Day Notice Overview
New Jersey has one of the most tenant-protective eviction frameworks in the nation. Under the Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.), landlords generally cannot evict residential tenants without demonstrating one of approximately 18 statutory causes for eviction. The concept of no-cause eviction is largely eliminated for covered tenancies in New Jersey.
New Jersey's tenant protections include mandatory cause for eviction, rent control in over 100 municipalities, the requirement for landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers as a protected source of income, and strict security deposit rules. Deposits are capped at one-and-a-half months' rent with annual interest under N.J.S.A. 46:8-19. The eviction process through Superior Court - Special Civil Part is deliberate and tenant-friendly.
Varies
Statutory default
$35-$50
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
4-8 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in New Jersey
Since New Jersey's statutory default for month-to-month termination is varies, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Owner-Occupancy or Building Conversion
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(l), a landlord may terminate if they intend to personally occupy the unit. This requires reasonable notice — many NJ courts expect 60+ days. The landlord must demonstrate genuine intent to occupy the property.
Buildings With Fewer Than 3 Units
Owner-occupied buildings with 2-3 units have somewhat different rules. The landlord may have more flexibility for termination but still must comply with the Anti-Eviction Act framework. 60-day notice is common practice for these smaller properties.
Section 8 and Subsidized Housing
New Jersey has extensive public housing. Federal Section 8 programs typically require 60-90 days notice. New Jersey law requires landlords to accept Section 8 vouchers under the Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.).
New Jersey Legal Requirements
New Jersey's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
NJ Anti-Eviction Act Limits No-Cause Evictions
The New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) fundamentally limits landlord ability to evict without cause. Unlike most states, New Jersey does not allow simple no-cause termination of month-to-month tenancies for covered properties. The landlord must demonstrate one of approximately 18 statutory grounds. This makes New Jersey one of the most tenant-protective states in the nation.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2 requires written notice specifying the statutory ground for eviction under the Anti-Eviction Act
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including municipality, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service. Different grounds have different minimum notice periods
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, New Jersey mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 requires return within 30 days with an itemized statement. Deposits capped at one-and-a-half months' rent with annual interest
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in New Jersey
Proper service is critical in New Jersey. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a New Jersey-specific template referencing N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. New Jersey courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or constable for documentation
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt requested. New Jersey also allows service by regular mail with proof of mailing
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Summary Dispossess Action
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in Superior Court - Special Civil Part where the property is located
New Jersey Eviction Timeline
New Jersey's eviction process uses a Summary Dispossess Complaint filed in Superior Court - Special Civil Part (Landlord Tenant Section). After filing, the court schedules a hearing typically 10-21 days out. The process is deliberately measured and tenant-friendly.
At the hearing, the judge reviews whether the landlord has established one of the statutory grounds under the Anti-Eviction Act. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for possession. The tenant may request a hardship stay of up to 6 months under N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.6.
Total court timeline: 4-8 weeks uncontested, 8-16+ weeks contested (longer with hardship stays). Essex County (Newark), Hudson County (Jersey City), and Bergen County have the heaviest caseloads. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 12-24+ weeks.
New Jersey Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in New Jersey vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Special Civil Part Filing | $35 - $50 |
| Service of Process | $25 - $60 |
| Attorney Fees | $500 - $3,000 |
| Warrant for Removal | $25 - $50 |
| Court Officer Enforcement | $75 - $200 |
Sample New Jersey 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our New Jersey-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [New Jersey Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
NEW JERSEY COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit plus accrued interest will be returned within 30 days of vacating per N.J.S.A. 46:8-19, with an itemized statement of deductions. Please provide a forwarding address.