Landlords can't evict you for using your rights, like asking the rent board for help.
Depends on the number of units or whether the owner lives in the building.
From Trenton City Code ch. 222, read Oct 6, 2026.Show the law
“It shall be unlawful for any landlord to evict or fail to renew the lease of any tenant or to take any other steps whatsoever in reprisal regarding the performance of services or otherwise because of a tenant's petition for an order disallowing a proposed rent increase …”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Trenton lawDepends on the building
Trenton anti-retaliation protection under Rent Stabilization Ordinance
Can my landlord make me move out?
Not for getting back at you.
Landlords can't evict you for using your rights, like asking the rent board for help.
Depends on the number of units or whether the owner lives in the building.
Who it covers
Not owner-occupied buildings with 2 units or fewer.
Covers: Dwellings subject to ch. 222.
Exemptions: Same dwelling exemptions as the chapter.
In force since
Jan 1, 1997
The law, word for word
“It shall be unlawful for any landlord to evict or fail to renew the lease of any tenant or to take any other steps whatsoever in reprisal regarding the performance of services or otherwise because of a tenant's petition for an order disallowing a proposed rent increase …”
Trenton City Code ch. 222 · ecode360.com · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026
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