N.J. DCA Landlord/Tenant Information Series — Grounds for Eviction Bulletin

i. Refusal to Accept Reasonable Changes in the Terms and Conditions of the Lease
When the lease expires, the landlord may propose reasonable but substantial changes to the terms
and conditions of the lease. If after written notice the tenant refuses to accept those changes the
landlord may file suit for eviction and the court will determine if the proposed changes are
reasonable. In cases where a tenant has received a notice of termination on any of the grounds
listed in section (k) below, has a protected tenancy status pursuant to the “Senior Citizens and
Disabled Protected Tenancy Act,” or pursuant to the “Tenant Protection Act of 1992,” the landlord
or owner shall have the burden of proving that any changes in the terms and conditions of the lease,
rental or regulations are reasonable and does not substantially reduce the rights and privileges that
the tenant was entitled to prior to the conversion. A Notice to Quit must be served on the tenant at
least one month before filing suit for eviction.

Note: The Senior Citizens and Disabled Protected Tenancy Act protects qualifying tenants from
changes in the terms of the tenancy or rent increases, which rests solely on the landlord’s
decision to convert the rental premises.

j. Tenant Continously Fails to Pay Rent or Habitually Pays Late
If the tenant continuously fails to pay rent or habitually pays late, after written Notice to Cease, the
landlord may file a suit for eviction. A Notice to Quit must be served on the tenant at least one
month before filing a suit for eviction.