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    New Jersey Eviction Notice Law

    New Jersey requires no notice to quit before filing an eviction for unpaid rent; the Anti-Eviction Act exempts nonpayment from its written-demand rule, though federally subsidized tenancies need a 14-day notice (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(a), 2A:18-61.2). For a lease violation it is 30 days, and the tenant gets a chance to fix the problem.

    Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Not legal advice. A defective notice can restart an eviction case; ask a New Jersey attorney or court self-help center before serving one. See our disclaimer.

    New Jersey eviction notice rules at a glance

    Notice for unpaid rentNo state ruleN.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(a), 2A:18-61.2, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), 'Causes for Eviction'
    Notice for a lease violation30 days (chance to cure)N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(b)-(e), 2A:18-61.2, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), 'Causes for Eviction'
    Ending a month-to-month tenancy (no-fault)30 days (either side)N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2

    What New Jersey law says

    What notice must a New Jersey landlord give before filing an eviction for unpaid rent?

    New Jersey requires no notice to quit before filing an eviction for unpaid rent; the Anti-Eviction Act exempts nonpayment from its written-demand rule, though federally subsidized tenancies need a 14-day notice (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(a), 2A:18-61.2).

    How much notice is required for a lease violation in New Jersey?

    For a substantial lease or rules violation, first give a written notice to cease; if the tenant keeps violating it, serve a notice to quit at least one month before filing (3 days for disorderly conduct or willful damage) (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(b)-(e), 2A:18-61.2(a)-(b)).

    How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in New Jersey?

    Most New Jersey landlords cannot end a month-to-month tenancy without a statutory good cause under the Anti-Eviction Act; owners of owner-occupied buildings with two or fewer rental units may end it with one month's notice to quit (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1; 2A:18-56(b)).

    Local rules in New Jersey

    Many New Jersey municipalities have rent control or rent leveling ordinances, which can add rules on rent increases and sometimes late fees.

    Other New Jersey rules

    Security deposit limit1.5 months' rent (with exceptions)N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), p. 12, citing N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2 and 46:8-26, N.J.S.A. 46:8-26
    Deposit return deadline30 days after the lease endsN.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), pp. 13–14, citing N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
    Late-fee capNo state capNJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), pp. 2–3 and 18–19, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 to -6.3
    Entry notice24 hours' noticeN.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1(c)
    Rent-increase notice30 days (Fixed-term leases: no increase mid-term; the old lease must end and a new lease at the higher rent be offered. Municipal rent control ordinances may impose longer notice or limit the amount)N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f), N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting

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