N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-15
Distress for residue
Operative Text
When the value of the property distrained shall not amount to the full value of the arrears further distraints may be made from time to time, for the residue of the arrears. Any such further distress shall be made within the time limited by this chapter.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-15, when property seized through the distress process does not cover the full amount of unpaid rent owed, the law permits additional seizures to recover the remaining balance. These follow-up distraints are not unlimited in timing — each must occur within the deadlines established elsewhere in the same chapter. The provision essentially allows a landlord to pursue the full debt in stages rather than being limited to a single seizure event.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners relying on the distress remedy under N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-15 should be aware that if an initial seizure of a tenant's property falls short of covering all rent arrears, the statute permits subsequent distraints for the remaining balance. Compliant operators generally track the statutory time limits set out in the broader chapter and ensure that any follow-up seizures are executed within those windows. Because distress is a technical legal remedy with strict procedural requirements, operators typically work with legal counsel familiar with New Jersey landlord-tenant law before proceeding.
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:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-15 allows a landlord to make repeated seizures of property to satisfy unpaid rent, but only within the time limits the chapter imposes — meaning a landlord's right to pursue additional distraints is not open-ended. Tenants whose property has been or may be seized under this provision have the right to understand whether each distress action complied with those statutory deadlines. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help individuals evaluate whether a distress action was carried out in accordance with the procedural requirements of this chapter.
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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