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

p. Civil Court Action that Holds Tenant Liable for Involvement in Criminal Activities
The landlord may file for eviction, if the tenant is found by a civil court proceeding (not criminal) to
be liable for involvement in theft of property located on the premises, involvement in assaults or
terrorist threats against the landlord, a member of the landlord’s family or an employee of the
landlord, or involvement in illegal drug activities that takes place on the premises and that tenant
has not in connection with his sentence for the drug offense either (1) successfully completed or (2)
been admitted to and continues during probation participation towards completion of a drug
rehabilitation program. Also, if the tenant permits a person he knows has been convicted of or has
pleaded guilty to these actions, to reside at the premises continuously or occasionally, the landlord
may file for eviction. This does not apply to a tenant allowing a juvenile to reside at the property
where the juvenile has been found to be delinquent due to the use or possession of drugs. No
eviction suit may be brought more than two years after: the juvenile was found to be delinquent;
conviction of the person; or after the person’s release from incarceration whichever is later. A
Notice to Quit must be served on the tenant at least three days prior to filing suit for eviction.