Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey A legal manual for tenants in New Jersey Written and published by Legal Services of New Jersey © 2020 Legal Services of New Jersey Legal Services of New Jersey makes this publication available for use by people who cannot afford legal advice or representation. It may not be sold or used commercially by others. You may copy this publication for personal or educational use only. Copies may not be modified and must retain the information identifying Legal Services of New Jersey and the date the materials were produced. For further information, contact: Legal Services of New Jersey, P.O. Box 1357, Edison, NJ 08818-1357 www.LSNJ.org / www.LSNJLAW.org /
[email protected] Table of Contents Introduction . 1 Chapter 1: Know Your Rights . 3 Do I need a lawyer? . 3 Finding a lawyer . 4 Collecting attorney’s fees . 4 Representing yourself . 4 Finding the law . 5 Getting the assistance of a librarian . 5 Finding landlord-tenant laws . 6 Finding statutes . 6 Finding regulations . 6 Finding case law . 6 Finding ordinances or local laws . 7 Federal law . 7 Tenants associations . 7 The importance of state and local tenants associations . 7 Chapter 2: Finding a Place to Rent and Moving In . 8 Special Case: Finding a place to rent with a Section 8 voucher or other subsidy . 8 Finding a place to rent through real estate or rental referral agencies . 8 Rental referral agencies . 8 Real estate agents . 10 Finding housing on your own . 10 Using the Internet to find housing—Be careful . 10 Moving in . 11 Inspect the property .