N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.7
Effective date of lease termination, conditions affecting co-tenants
Operative Text
4. a. Lease terminations pursuant to section 3 of P.L.2008, c.111 (C.46:8-9.6) shall take effect on the thirtieth day following receipt by the landlord of notice complying with section 3 of P.L.2008, c.111 (C.46:8-9.6), unless the landlord and tenant agree on an earlier termination date. The rent shall be paid, pro rata, up to the time a lease terminates pursuant to this section. b. A lease terminates under section 3 of P.L.2008, c.111 (C.46:8-9.6) only if the victim of domestic violence acts in good faith and fulfills all requirements and procedures as established by section 3 of P.L.2008, c.111 (C.46:8-9.6) in terminating the lease. c. If there are tenants on the lease other than the tenant who has given notice of termination as described in section 3 of P.L.2008, c.111 (C.46:8-9.6), those co-tenants' lease also terminates, notwithstanding any provisions in section 2 of P.L.1974, c.49 (C.2A:18-61.1) requiring certain grounds for eviction to the contrary. The co-tenants may enter into a new lease, for a new term, at the option of the landlord. Nothing in this section shall prohibit any co-tenants of the victim of domestic violence from holding over if holding over is permitted by the landlord. L.2008, c.111, s.4.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.7, when a domestic violence victim properly terminates a lease under the companion provision (C.46:8-9.6), the termination takes effect 30 days after the landlord receives the required notice, unless both parties agree to an earlier end date. Rent is owed on a prorated basis through the actual termination date. When the departing tenant's lease ends, any co-tenants on the same lease are also affected — their lease terminates as well, though the landlord may offer them a new lease or permit them to hold over.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators covered by N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.7 generally track the 30-day clock from the date they receive a qualifying domestic violence termination notice under C.46:8-9.6, and collect only prorated rent through that termination date. Because the co-tenants' lease also terminates automatically under this section, compliant landlords typically decide promptly whether to offer those remaining occupants a new lease or allow them to hold over. Maintaining clear written records of the notice receipt date and any agreement on an earlier termination date helps document 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. 46:8-9.7 establishes that a domestic violence victim who follows all required procedures under C.46:8-9.6 can end a lease within 30 days of the landlord's receipt of proper notice, with rent owed only through that date on a prorated basis. Co-tenants on the same lease should be aware that their tenancy is also affected by this termination, though they may have options to remain if the landlord agrees to a new lease or permits holding over. Tenants seeking to understand their rights or the documentation required under this provision may find it helpful to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with New Jersey housing law.
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 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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