N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-33
Action for possession by landlord; compliance with act
Operative Text
In any action for possession instituted by a landlord who has failed to comply with the provisions of this act, no judgment for possession shall be entered until there has been compliance. The court shall continue such case for up to 90 days and if there has not been compliance within such period, the action shall be dismissed. L.1974, c. 50, s. 7, eff. June 25, 1974.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-33, a New Jersey court cannot enter a judgment for possession against a tenant if the landlord has not complied with the requirements of the act. The court is required to pause the case for up to 90 days to allow the landlord to come into compliance. If compliance is not achieved within that window, the eviction action must be dismissed entirely.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-33 makes clear that a landlord's failure to satisfy the act's requirements before filing for possession can stall or end an eviction proceeding. Compliant operators generally ensure that all statutory obligations—such as proper registration and notice requirements—are met before initiating any action for possession. Addressing compliance gaps proactively helps avoid the 90-day continuance period and potential dismissal of the case.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-33 gives tenants a meaningful procedural protection: if a landlord has not complied with the act's requirements, a court cannot immediately rule against the tenant in a possession action. Tenants facing eviction proceedings may raise a landlord's noncompliance as a defense, which can result in the case being continued or dismissed. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office can help tenants understand how this provision may apply to their circumstances.
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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