Living in NJ: How to Fight an Eviction and Keep Your Home

03 Jul Living in NJ: How to Fight an Eviction and Keep Your Home

The sad truth is that an eviction happens 4 times every single minute. Americans are facing hardships that could put them at danger of facing eviction. If this is you, what do you do next to learn how to fight an eviction?

As a renter in New Jersey, you should know exactly how the eviction process works and what you need to do to prevent it. 

How to Fight an Eviction

There are many laws that pertain to renters and landlords. Knowing what to look out for when being told to leave or how to terminate a lease can make your life a whole lot easier. 

Keep reading to teach yourself the basics of rental laws and prepare yourself to fight and keep your home.

How Much Time?

Depending on how the landlord handles the eviction determines how much time you have to deal with it.

If the eviction is due to a severe issue or complaints then you may only receive a written notice within 3 days of the eviction. If there are other reasons for it, you may have 30 days.

It’s important to know that you do not have to vacate at the end of the time period, it is simply when the landlord will begin the court proceedings. 

The Next Steps

The first thing you want to do is to contact your landlord. If you can avoid having an eviction on your record, do it, it stays there for 7 years. A discussion with the landlord may allow you to come to an agreement without the courts involved.

If you are able to make an arrangement for something along the lines of a payment plan to catch up on late rent, make sure you stick to it. You may not get a second chance.

If you are unable to work out an arrangement, you’re going to need a lawyer if at all possible. It will substantially increase your chance of fighting it. 

Regardless, attend every court date to make your case and save your home.

Precautions

There are a few things you can do to avoid having to face nasty eviction threats altogether. Being a good tenant, paying your rent on time and taking care of the house will save you from some evictions, but not all.

There are times when no matter how good a tenant you are, a landlord will try to get you out. Don’t just accept this. You have the freedom and constitutional right to fight it.

When signing a new lease, it’s always a good idea to have the lease reviewed. A professional looking over the lease can save you from not noticing nasty loopholes that can get you in trouble.

Stay Where You Are

Facing an eviction is scary and can certainly cause some panic. Luckily, there are professionals who know how to fight an eviction and are able to help you.

If you’ve received notice, expect you may receive notice or want help avoiding it altogether, contact a New Jersey firm that will have your back.