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When can you evict a tenant as a property owner?

As a landlord, you benefit from having your rental units inhabited by tenants. As such, you do not want to have to remove a resident. Sometimes, however, tenants’ behaviors or actions may so risk your property and business interests, you must take action.

Although you may have included terms in your lease agreement to allow for a tenant’s removal, you must adhere to the appropriate procedures in order to do so legally. Understanding your rights as a landlord and property owner may help you avoid legal issues and protect your interests.

Cause for evictions

According to the New Jersey Courts, you can evict a tenant from your property with appropriate cause. Some of the allowable reasons for which the court may allow you to have a resident removed from a home you own include the following:

  • Making rent payments late
  • Failing to pay rent
  • Violating the lease agreement terms
  • Causing damage or destruction
  • Acting in disorderly manners on a repeated basis

The court will also commonly allow you to evict a tenant if safety or health reasons force you to need to demolish or board up the property.

Process for evictions

To have a client evicted, you will need to file a landlord-tenant lawsuit with the appropriate division within the New Jersey Superior Court circuit. A successful claim will result in the court issuing a judgment for possession. Your tenant has the right to defend themselves at the hearing against the eviction.

Taking action to remove a tenant without meeting the legal requirements may result in legal issues for you.

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