New Jersey Eviction Notice Overview
New Jersey does not use a standard 7-day eviction notice. New Jersey has one of the most complex eviction systems in the country. For non-payment of rent, the notice requirement depends on the type of tenancy: month-to-month tenants get a 30-day noticeunder NJSA 2A:18-61.2, while tenants on a lease may receive a shorter notice. The 'Notice to Quit and Demand for Possession' must be served before filing in court.
New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act (NJSA 2A:18-61.1 et seq.) provides strong tenant protections. Landlords can only evict for specific causes listed in the statute. New Jersey does not allow 'no cause' evictions. Eviction cases are filed in Superior Court, Special Civil Part. Essex County (Newark), Hudson County (Jersey City), and Passaic County (Paterson) handle the highest volumes. New Jersey also has a mandatory pre-filing notice period that varies based on the grounds for eviction.
Complex Days
Notice period
$50 - $75
Filing fee
NJ Code
Governing law
Superior
Court level
Why New Jersey Uses Complex Days, Not 7
New Jersey Has a Complex Notice System
New Jersey's eviction notice requirements are among the most complex nationally. The notice period depends on the grounds for eviction and type of tenancy. For non-payment by month-to-month tenants, a 30-day notice is required. For lease tenants, the notice period may be shorter. New Jersey does not allow no-cause evictions under the Anti-Eviction Act. A 7-day notice is not the standard form.
New Jersey Notice Periods at a Glance
- 30-Day Notice — Non-Payment (Month-to-Month): Month-to-month tenants get 30 days notice for non-payment
- Lease Term Notice — Non-Payment (Lease): Lease tenants may receive notice based on lease terms
- 3-Day Notice — Disorderly Conduct: 3 days for disorderly tenant conduct
- 30-Day Notice — Habitual Late Payment: If the tenant is habitually late paying rent
New Jersey Notice Requirements
New Jersey courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: Complex days for non-payment as required by New Jersey law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in New Jersey
New Jersey law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant in person.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail with return receipt.
Posting and Mailing
Post on the door and mail by regular and certified mail.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service. NJ courts strictly review service documentation.
New Jersey Eviction Timeline
The New Jersey eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve Notice to Quit and Demand for Possession (period varies by grounds)
After notice period expires, file complaint in Superior Court, Special Civil Part
Court sets trial date; tenant served with summons and complaint
Trial held; if landlord prevails, judgment for possession entered
Warrant of removal issued; court officer enforces after 3-day posting
New Jersey evictions are among the slowest due to the Anti-Eviction Act's requirements. Uncontested cases take 6-12 weeks. Contested cases can take 3-6 months. Essex County and Hudson County have the longest timelines. NJ courts grant continuances liberally, and tenants have extensive rights to raise defenses.
New Jersey Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in New Jersey Superior Court - Special Civil Part. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Superior Court Filing Fee | $50 - $75 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $60 |
| Warrant of Removal | $35 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $1,000 - $3,000 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $200 - $350 |
Sample New Jersey Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a New Jersey-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of NJSA 2A:18-61.1.
NOTICE TO QUIT AND DEMAND FOR POSSESSION
STATE OF NEW JERSEY
Pursuant to NJSA 2A:18-61.1
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [New Jersey Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You are hereby notified to quit and deliver possession of the premises within [30/Number] DAYS for the following cause: [Specify statutory ground under NJSA 2A:18-61.1].
NEW JERSEY COMPLIANCE NOTE
New Jersey requires specific grounds for eviction under the Anti-Eviction Act. The notice period varies by grounds and tenancy type. No-cause evictions are not permitted in New Jersey. A 7-day notice is not standard.