N.J. Stat. Ann. § 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-19
Enforcement of orders
Operative Text
Observance of an order of the director issued pursuant to the provisions of this act including collection or enforcement of damages or penalties may be enforced by a summary civil action brought by the director in the Superior Court to obtain such relief as may be necessary to effectuate the terms of said order. L.1945, c. 169, p. 597, s. 18. Amended by L.1949, c. 11, p. 46, s. 12; L.1953, c. 18, p. 322, s. 41; L.1963, c. 40, s. 13; L.1983, c. 412, s. 1, eff. Jan. 4, 1984.
Under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-19, when the Director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights issues an order—including one that involves collecting damages or penalties—that order carries legal force that can be brought directly into the Superior Court through a summary civil action. This mechanism allows the Director to seek whatever judicial relief is necessary to make the order effective. The provision essentially gives the Director a streamlined court pathway to compel compliance rather than relying solely on administrative processes.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to a Director's order under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-19 should be aware that non-compliance is not merely an administrative matter—the Director can move swiftly to Superior Court to enforce the order's terms, including any damages or penalties it contains. Operators who receive such an order generally document their steps toward compliance and keep records of any corrective actions taken. Understanding that court enforcement is a direct and available tool underscores the importance of taking Director's orders seriously from the outset.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
If you believe a Director's order issued on your behalf is not being followed, N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. § 10:5-19 establishes that the Director has the authority to bring a summary civil action in Superior Court to enforce that order, including recovery of damages or penalties. This means there is a formal legal mechanism in place to back up orders that arise from civil rights complaints related to housing. Tenants in this situation may consider contacting the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights directly or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization to understand what enforcement options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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