N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-58
Execution of warrant; use of force
Operative Text
An officer, to whom a warrant is issued by virtue of this article, shall obey the command of and faithfully execute the same, and may, if necessary to the execution thereof, use such force as may be necessary.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-58, an officer who receives a warrant issued under New Jersey's summary dispossess article is legally required to carry out that warrant's commands. The officer is also authorized to use whatever force is reasonably necessary to accomplish the execution of the warrant. This provision establishes both the duty and the limited authority of the executing officer in the context of residential or commercial eviction proceedings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
For property owners who have obtained a judgment of possession and a warrant for removal under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-58, the actual execution of that warrant is handled by a court officer — not by the landlord directly. Compliant operators coordinate with the appropriate officer and allow that officer to carry out the warrant according to its terms, rather than attempting to remove occupants themselves. Self-help removal efforts outside this statutory process are not authorized by this provision and may expose an owner to separate legal liability.
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. § 2A:18-58 governs how a court officer is permitted to execute a warrant for removal, including the use of necessary force. If a tenant believes a warrant was improperly issued or that the officer's conduct exceeded what the statute permits, that concern may be raised through the court that issued the warrant or with a tenant-rights organization familiar with New Jersey eviction procedure. Tenants facing execution of a warrant may wish to consult a legal aid organization or tenant advocacy group to understand what options, if any, remain available at that stage of the process.
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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