N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-21
Liability of tenant for removing or concealing property subject to distraint
Operative Text
Any tenant who removes or conceals any of his personal property subject to distraint by his landlord, with intent to delay, hinder, or defraud said landlord, shall be liable for the damages resulting therefrom, to his landlord; and in any action to recover such damages if it shall appear that the action of the tenant was willful, the landlord shall be entitled to recover double damages.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-21, a tenant who moves or hides personal property that a landlord has a legal right to distrain—with the intent to delay, hinder, or defraud that landlord—becomes liable for any resulting damages. If a court finds the tenant's conduct was willful, the landlord may recover twice the actual damages. This provision creates a financial consequence tied directly to the tenant's intent at the time the property was removed or concealed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Landlords whose distraint rights are undermined by a tenant's deliberate removal or concealment of property may have a civil damages claim under N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-21. Operators who believe a tenant has acted with intent to defraud generally document the property that was subject to distraint and preserve evidence of the removal or concealment. Where a court determines the conduct was willful, the statute allows recovery of double damages, making thorough recordkeeping especially important for any subsequent legal action.
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:33-21 establishes that a tenant can face civil liability—and potentially double damages—if a court finds they intentionally removed or hid property to frustrate a landlord's distraint rights. Tenants who receive notice of a distraint or face a related lawsuit may wish to understand what property was legally subject to that claim and whether the intent element of this provision applies to their circumstances. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office can help a tenant evaluate what defenses or procedural options may be available under this statute.
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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