N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.14
Lock changes, dwelling unit, domestic violence victim, landlord, temporary, permanent restraining order, notification
Operative Text
2. a. A court that issues a temporary restraining order pursuant to section 12 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-28) or permanent restraining order pursuant to section 13 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29) may include an order requiring the landlord of a residential dwelling unit to change the locks on the dwelling unit where the victim of domestic violence resides. A victim who has obtained such an order shall notify the landlord in writing that the victim has been granted an order pursuant to this section and section 12 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-28) or section 13 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29) to change the locks on a dwelling unit in which the victim resides. b. If a landlord has not installed new locks within 48 hours of receiving a written request pursuant to subsection a. of this section, the victim shall be authorized to change the locks on a residential dwelling unit in which the victim resides. c. A victim who changes the locks on a residential rental dwelling unit pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall notify the landlord of the rental dwelling unit that the locks on the unit have been changed and provide a copy of the new keys not more than 48 hours after implementing the change of locks. d. A victim who changes the locks of a residential rental dwelling unit pursuant to this section shall be responsible for the costs associated with changing the locks on the rental unit, but may seek reimbursement for these costs pursuant to section 13 of P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29). e. (1) If a victim changes the locks on a residential rental dwelling unit pursuant to subsection b. of this section, the landlord of the residential dwelling unit shall not be responsible or held liable to the victim, other tenant of the same dwelling unit, or an invitee, for any damages to: (a) the dwelling unit; (b) personal property in the dwelling unit; or (c) the victim, other tenant of the same dwelling unit, or an invitee sustained while at the dwelling unit. (2) The protections from landlord liability and responsibility established by paragraph (1) of this subsection shall only apply to damages that occur: (a) 48 hours after the victim implements the change of locks; (b) before the victim notifies the landlord that the locks have been changed and provides the landlord with a copy of the new keys; and (c) while the victim continues to reside at the dwelling unit. L.2023, c.174, s.2.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.14, a court issuing a temporary or permanent restraining order in a domestic violence case may direct a landlord to change the locks on the dwelling unit where the victim lives. If the landlord does not complete the lock change within 48 hours of receiving written notice, the victim is permitted to change the locks themselves, provided they notify the landlord and supply a copy of the new keys within 48 hours of doing so. The victim generally bears the upfront cost of a self-performed lock change but may seek reimbursement through the restraining-order process. During the window between a victim-initiated lock change and the landlord's receipt of new keys, the landlord is shielded from liability for certain damages that occur at the unit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers covered by N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.14 should be prepared to act promptly when a domestic violence victim presents written notice of a court order directing a lock change—compliant operators typically complete the new installation within the 48-hour window the statute establishes. Operators who miss that window should be aware that the victim may lawfully change the locks independently, and that the statute limits landlord liability for certain damages occurring during the period before the landlord receives the new keys. Maintaining clear internal procedures for receiving and logging written lock-change requests helps demonstrate timely compliance with this provision.
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. § 46:8-9.14 gives domestic violence victims who hold a court-ordered lock change the right to carry out that change themselves if the landlord has not acted within 48 hours of receiving written notice. After performing a self-help lock change, a victim must notify the landlord and provide a copy of the new keys within 48 hours; the statute also allows a victim to seek reimbursement for lock-change costs through the restraining-order proceeding. Tenants who believe their rights under this provision have not been respected may consider contacting a tenant-rights organization, a legal aid office, or raising the issue before the court that issued the restraining order.
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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