q. Conviction for Theft of Property
The landlord may file for eviction, if the tenant has been convicted of or pleaded guilty to, or if a
juvenile has been found to be delinquent by the Court due to an offense involving theft of property
from the landlord or from tenants residing in the same building or complex. 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. A Notice to Quit
must be served on the tenant at least three days prior to filing suit for eviction.
EVICTIONS FOR OWNER-OCCUPIED TWO AND THREE FAMILY DWELLINGS
In addition to the causes listed above, a tenant residing in an owner-occupied two or three family
dwelling may be evicted if the landlord can show that the tenant is staying after the expiration of the
lease and the landlord has given the tenant a written notice for delivery of possession of the
property. Under this cause of not renewing the lease, a three month notice to quit must be given if
an at will tenancy or year-to year tenancy exists. A one-month notice to quit is required for a
month-to-month tenancy.
SELF-HELP EVICTIONS OR LOCKOUT
Self-help evictions occur when the landlord or someone acting on the landlord’s behalf enters into
the dwelling unit without the permission of the tenant and without a judgment from the Court and
forces the tenant to move. A lockout occurs when the landlord padlocks your door or changes your
locks while you are not home and then refuses to allow you back into the premises. A lockout is
also when the landlord shuts off the utilities in attempt to force you to move. Self-help evictions or
lockouts made by the landlord are illegal in New Jersey.