N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-51
Tenancy created by agent; termination by owner; recovery of possession or rentals
Operative Text
2A:18-51. If real estate is leased by an agent of the owner thereof, in his own name or as agent, the owner, his assignee or grantee may terminate the tenancy as the agent might do. The owner or his duly authorized agent, assignee or grantee may institute and maintain proceedings to recover the possession or the rentals thereof in their own names or in the name of the former agent, in the same manner and with the same effect as though the real estate had been leased in their own names. L.1951 (1st SS), c.344; amended 1991,c.91,s.63.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq., when a property is leased by an agent acting in their own name or as an agent, the owner—as well as any assignee or grantee—retains the legal authority to end that tenancy just as the agent could have. The owner or their authorized representative may also bring court proceedings to recover possession of the property or collect unpaid rent, doing so either in their own name or in the name of the former agent. The rule ensures that the identity of the party who signed the lease does not strip the actual owner of their fundamental landlord rights.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. preserves ownership rights even when a lease was originally executed by an agent rather than the owner directly. A compliant operator typically documents the agency relationship clearly and ensures that any transfer of ownership or assignment is recorded, so that the new owner or grantee can exercise termination and recovery rights without procedural complications. When initiating eviction or rent-recovery proceedings, operators generally confirm whether filing in their own name or the former agent's name is appropriate under the circumstances.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. is relevant to tenants who may find that the party seeking to terminate their tenancy or recover possession is different from the person or entity that originally signed their lease. This provision means that an owner, assignee, or grantee can legally step into the agent's shoes and pursue such proceedings, so a change in the named party does not automatically invalidate the action. Tenants who receive a notice or court filing from an unfamiliar party may wish to review the chain of ownership or agency, consult a tenant-rights organization, or raise any procedural concerns as part of their response to the proceedings.
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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