Tenant not paying rent in Hudson County, NJ? Get your court papers ready

What you get

• Unpaid rent: your Verified Complaint worksheet, filled in
• Lease violation: a ready-to-sign Notice to Cease
• Step-by-step instructions to file, serve and prepare for court
• Your county court address, phone and official page

How it works

1. Answer simple questions online, in English or Spanish (about 15 minutes).
2. Review your answers and pay securely.
3. Download your package right away and follow the plain steps to file it yourself.

Where to file in Hudson County

Call ahead: hours, rooms and fees can change. Source: New Jersey Courts directory.

This is not the right service if

• Commercial property, public housing, Section 8 or rent-controlled units
• A case is already filed
• You are not the owner or the owner's authorized agent

More help in Hudson County

• Uncontested divorce
• Small claims
• Security deposit demand letter
• Legal name change

Serving all 12 towns in Hudson County

Bayonne, East Newark Borough, Guttenberg, Harrison, Hoboken, Jersey City, Kearny, North Bergen Township, Secaucus, Union City, Weehawken Township, West New York

Questions

Where do landlords file an eviction case in Hudson County?

At the Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section: Frank J. Guarini Justice Complex, 24 Central Avenue, Jersey City, NJ 07306. Phone 201-748-4400 ext. 66680. Call ahead to confirm hours and the filing fee.

Do I need a Notice to Quit for unpaid rent?

Usually not. For non-payment of rent, a New Jersey landlord can generally file the complaint directly. For lease violations, the first step is a Notice to Cease.

Can I change the locks or remove the tenant myself?

No. In New Jersey only a court officer can remove a tenant, after a court judgment. Self-help lockouts are illegal.