Free New Jersey Eviction Notice Template

A New Jersey eviction notice is a formal letter landlords must serve before starting eviction proceedings. It explains why the tenant is being asked to leave, gives them time to fix the problem or move out, and follows the timelines in New Jersey Revised Statutes §§ 2A:18-53 – 2A:18-84.

New Jersey law requires landlords to give different notices depending on the situation:

• 30-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (NJ Rev Stat § 2A:18-61.2): Used when rent is habitually overdue. Tenants have 30 days to pay in full or move out. Senior citizens receive a 5-day grace period under § 2A:42-6.1 before the notice can be issued.
• 30-Day Notice to Quit for Non-Compliance (NJ Rev Stat § 2A:18-61.2(3)(b); § 2A:18-61.1(d)): Used after a tenant violates the lease, such as having unauthorized pets or smoking in prohibited areas. Landlords must first give a “notice to cease,” giving the tenant time to correct the issue. If ignored, a 30-day notice to quit follows. For illegal activity or major property damage, only three days’ notice is required (§ 2A:18-53(c)).
• 30-Day Lease Termination Notice (NJ Rev Stat § 2A:18-56): Ends a month-to-month tenancy without cause, giving tenants at least 30 days to vacate.

To prepare a valid notice:

1. Choose the right notice type for your situation
2. Include landlord and tenant names plus the rental property address
3. Explain the reason for eviction if required by law
4. List the legal notice period for payment, compliance, or move-out
5. Sign and date the document before serving it

Landlords can deliver the notice by:

• Personal delivery to the tenant
• Certified or registered mail
• Process server or posting the notice if the tenant is unavailable

Keep proof of service for the court case.

If the tenant doesn’t comply within the required time:

• File a Verified Complaint in the county’s Special Civil Part Office
• The court will issue a Summons with the hearing date
• If the landlord wins, the court grants a Judgment for Possession
• Apply for a Warrant for Possession so the sheriff can remove the tenant if necessary

Landlords may need these forms for New Jersey eviction cases:

• Tenancy Summons and Return of Service: Notifies tenants of the eviction case and hearing date
• Verified Complaint – Non-Payment of Rent: Filed when tenants fail to pay rent or violate lease terms