N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-59.1
Terminally ill tenants
Operative Text
Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, the Superior Court may authorize and review one year stays of eviction during which the tenant shall be entitled to renew the lease at its term of expiration, subject to reasonable changes proposed to the tenant by the landlord in written notice, whenever: a. The tenant fulfills all the terms of the lease and removal is sought under subsection a. of N.J.S.2A:18-53 where a residential tenant holds over after written notice for delivery of possession; and b. The tenant has a terminal illness which illness has been certified by a licensed physician; and c. There is substantial likelihood that the tenant would be unable to search for, rent and move to a comparable alternative rental dwelling unit without serious medical harm; and d. The tenant has been a tenant of the landlord for a least two years prior to the issuance of the stay. In reviewing a petition for a stay of eviction, the court shall specifically consider whether the granting of the stay of eviction would cause an undue hardship to the landlord because of the landlord's financial condition or any other factor relating to the landlord's ownership of the premises. L.1983,c.446,s.1; amended 1991,c.91,s.65.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-59.1, New Jersey's Superior Court has the authority to grant a terminally ill residential tenant a one-year stay of eviction, during which the tenant may renew their lease on reasonable terms, even when a landlord has sought possession after proper notice. Four conditions must all be met: the tenant must be current on all lease obligations, a licensed physician must certify the terminal illness, moving would pose a serious risk of medical harm, and the tenant must have lived in the unit for at least two years. The court is also required to weigh whether granting the stay would create undue financial or other hardship for the landlord.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Landlords operating in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 2A:18-59.1 gives the Superior Court discretion to pause an otherwise valid eviction for up to one year when a qualifying tenant is terminally ill. A compliant operator generally documents their financial condition and any ownership-related hardships carefully, since the court is specifically directed to consider those factors when reviewing a stay petition. Landlords who wish to propose changes to lease terms during a stay period typically do so in writing, as the statute requires that any reasonable changes be communicated to the tenant in a written notice.
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:18-59.1 provides a potential legal protection for residential tenants in New Jersey who are terminally ill and facing eviction after a landlord's written notice to vacate. A tenant who has lived in the unit for at least two years, is current on all lease terms, has a physician-certified terminal illness, and would face serious medical harm from relocating may petition the Superior Court for a one-year stay of eviction and the right to renew the lease. Tenants who believe they may qualify can explore this option by consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with New Jersey housing law.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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