N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-61.3
Causes for eviction or nonrenewal of lease
Operative Text
4. a. No landlord may evict or fail to renew any lease of any premises covered by section 2 of this act except for good cause as defined in section 2. b. A person who was a tenant of a landlord in premises covered by section 2 of P.L.1974, c.49 (C.2A:18-61.1) may not be removed by any order or judgment for possession from the premises by the owner's or landlord's successor in ownership or possession except: (1) For good cause in accordance with the requirements which apply to premises covered pursuant to P.L.1974, c.49 (C.2A:18-61.1 et al.); or (2) For proceedings in premises where federal law supersedes applicable State law governing removal of occupants; or (3) For proceedings where removal of occupants is sought by an authorized State or local agency pursuant to eminent domain or code or zoning enforcement laws and which comply with applicable relocation laws pursuant to the "Relocation Assistance Law of 1967," P.L.1967, c.79 (C.52:31B-1 et seq.), the "Relocation Assistance Act," P.L.1971, c.362 (C.20:4-1 et seq.) or section 3 of P.L.1993, c.342 (C.2A:18-61.1g). Where the owner's or landlord's successor in ownership or possession is not bound by the lease entered into with the former tenant and may offer a different lease to the former tenant, nothing in P.L.1986, c.138 shall limit that right. L.1974,c.49,s.4; amended 1986,c.138,s.7; 1993,c.342,s.2.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.3, landlords covered by New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act are prohibited from evicting a tenant or refusing to renew a lease unless a legally recognized 'good cause' reason exists as defined by the statute. This protection extends even when a property changes hands — a new owner or successor in possession generally cannot remove existing tenants without meeting the same good cause standards. Limited exceptions apply when federal law preempts state law, or when a government agency pursues removal through eminent domain or code enforcement in compliance with applicable relocation assistance laws.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential properties covered by N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.3 generally ensure that any eviction action or lease non-renewal is grounded in a specific 'good cause' basis recognized under the Anti-Eviction Act. When a property is acquired through purchase or other succession, compliant new owners typically review existing tenancies and understand that prior tenants retain their protections under this section — even if the new owner is not bound by the prior lease terms and may offer a revised lease. Situations involving federal preemption or government-initiated displacement through eminent domain or code enforcement carry their own procedural requirements, including compliance with applicable relocation assistance statutes.
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:18-61.3 provides tenants in covered premises with the right not to be evicted or have their lease non-renewed without a legally defined 'good cause' reason, and this protection generally survives a change in property ownership. If a new landlord or successor owner attempts to remove a tenant without establishing good cause, the tenant may raise this statutory protection as a defense in any eviction proceeding. Tenants who believe their rights under this provision are being violated may consider contacting a local tenant-rights organization, a legal aid office, or consulting with a housing attorney to understand the options available under New Jersey 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.