Eviction is barred if the landlord is punishing you for using your rent rules rights.
Why, and the exact law
Depends on the number of units.
From Paterson Code ch. 381, read Oct 6, 2026.Show the law
“No landlord shall bring any action to recover possession of a dwelling unit as a reprisal for the tenant's efforts to secure or enforce any right under this chapter …”
Eviction is barred if the landlord is punishing you for using your rent rules rights.
Depends on the number of units.
Who it covers
Buildings with 2 or more units.
Not buildings less than 30 years old.
Not owner-occupied buildings with 2 units or fewer.
In force since
Jun 18, 1985
The law, word for word
“No landlord shall bring any action to recover possession of a dwelling unit as a reprisal for the tenant's efforts to secure or enforce any right under this chapter …”
New Jersey lists the reasons; the notice time depends on the reason.
Depends on the number of units or whether the owner lives in the building.
Who it covers
Not owner-occupied buildings with 3 units or fewer.
Exemptions: Owner-occupied premises with two or fewer rental units (two-three unit owner-occupied); transient/seasonal hotel and motel guests; unit held in trust for a developmentally disabled family member.
In force since
1974
The law, word for word
“No residential landlord may evict or fail to renew a
lease, whether it is a written or an oral lease without good cause …”
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 · nj.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026
Quote checked word for word
New Jersey lawIn force
NJ Foreclosure Fairness Act tenant protections
Does a foreclosure end my lease?
A foreclosure alone can't end your lease.
A buyer who wants to live there must give 90 days' notice and wait for your lease to end.
The law, word for word
“Foreclosure alone is not grounds for eviction in New Jersey …”
N.J.S.A. 2A:50-69 et seq · nj.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026
Quote checked word for word
New Jersey lawDepends on the building
NJ reprisal (retaliation) protections for tenants
Can they make me move out for using my rights?
They can't evict you for using your rights or reporting code problems.
Punishing you for using your rights is against the law.
Depends on the number of units or whether the owner lives in the building.
Who it covers
Not owner-occupied buildings with 3 units or fewer.
Exemptions: Owner-occupied two- or three-family dwellings.
The law, word for word
“A landlord cannot take reprisal action against a tenant by eviction, substantial alteration of
a lease or its terms, or refusal to renew a lease when a tenant exercises certain civil rights …”
N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10 · nj.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026