N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-3
Exemptions
Operative Text
Property to the value of $500, to be selected by the person distrained against or as provided in section 2A:33-12 of this title, and all wearing apparel shall be exempt from distraint. This section shall be inapplicable in the case of the impounding and distraint of straying domestic animals.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-3, New Jersey law shields certain property from the remedy of distraint, which is the seizure of a tenant's belongings to satisfy unpaid rent. Specifically, personal property valued up to $500—chosen by the person whose goods are being seized, or as determined under the related statutory process—along with all wearing apparel, cannot be taken through distraint. This exemption does not apply, however, when the distraint involves stray domestic animals.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners or managers who pursue distraint as a remedy for unpaid rent must be aware that N.J.S.A. 2A:33-1 et seq. § 2A:33-3 places firm limits on what property may be seized. Compliant operators generally ensure that any distraint action excludes the tenant's wearing apparel and up to $500 worth of personal property selected by the tenant or determined through the statutory process. Operators who work with legal counsel familiar with New Jersey landlord-tenant law are generally better positioned to carry out distraint proceedings within these boundaries.
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:33-3 gives tenants facing distraint the right to protect up to $500 in personal property of their choosing, as well as all of their clothing, from being seized. If a landlord attempts to take property that falls within these exemptions, a tenant may have grounds to raise that violation as a defense or to seek relief through the appropriate New Jersey court. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help individuals understand how these exemptions apply and what general options exist for responding to an improper distraint.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
Rules and statutes cited by this regulation
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.