N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-61.1f
Local ordinances permitted
Operative Text
Nothing contained in this 1986 amendatory and supplementary act shall authorize any civil action to require that dwelling units remain vacant, shall limit any defense or challenge to evictions that is otherwise provided by law or shall prohibit any provision of a local ordinance which is not less restrictive, except as prohibited pursuant to subsection e. of section 3 of P.L. 1975, c. 311 (C.2A:18-61.6). Except as provided in subsection e. of section 3 of P.L. 1975, c. 311 (C.2A:18-61.6), local ordinances may facilitate the objectives of this 1986 amendatory and supplementary act pertaining to premises where tenants have received notice pursuant to subsection g.(1) or h. of section 2 of P.L.1974, c.49 (C.2A:18-61.1), including, but not limited to, any ordinance intended to:
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-61.1f, the 1986 amendments to New Jersey's eviction law do not override local tenant protections that are at least as strong as state law, nor do they allow courts to order dwelling units kept vacant. Local governments retain the authority to enact ordinances that go further than the state baseline in protecting tenants, particularly in situations where tenants have received certain statutory notices, as long as those ordinances do not conflict with the specific limits set out in subsection e. of C.2A:18-61.6. In short, this provision preserves a layered system in which state law sets a floor and municipalities may build upon it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-61.1f allows municipalities to adopt local ordinances that impose requirements stricter than state eviction law, meaning local rules may add obligations beyond what the state statute alone requires. Compliant operators generally review both state law and any applicable municipal ordinances before proceeding with evictions, especially in cases where tenants have received notices under subsections g.(1) or h. of C.2A:18-61.1. Staying current with local ordinance changes in the jurisdiction where a property is located is a standard part of responsible property management in New Jersey.
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:18-61.1f preserves the right of tenants to rely on any local ordinance that provides stronger protections than state eviction law, meaning a municipality may have rules that give tenants additional rights or defenses beyond what the state statute offers. Tenants who have received a notice under subsections g.(1) or h. of C.2A:18-61.1 may find that their local ordinance provides specific procedural protections or remedies relevant to their situation. Tenants can look into whether their municipality has enacted such an ordinance by contacting their local housing office, a tenant-rights organization, or a legal aid provider 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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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