LEGAL SERVICES OF NEW JERSEY (LSNJ) coordinates the statewide Legal Services system in New Jersey, providing free legal assistance to low-income people in civil matters. Part of Legal Services’ mission is to make people more aware of their legal rights and provide helpful information if they choose to pursue a legal case on their own. Awareness may allow you to resolve some problems on your own, without the need for a lawyer, or to make better use of a lawyer if you have one.
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A Word of Caution About Using This Manual
This manual does not give advice about a particular legal problem that you may have, and it is not a substitute for seeing a lawyer when you need one. By all means talk to a lawyer if you think you need the help.
The information in this manual is accurate as of September 2007, but laws often change. Please check our Web site, www.LSNJLAW.org, for updates to this manual, or talk to a lawyer for up-to-date legal advice.
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This manual is for tenants
Information is the key to a good relationship between a tenant and landlord. This manual gives you the information you need to be a good tenant and make sure that your landlord treats you properly and fairly. The manual explains a tenant’s rights and responsibilities under New Jersey laws. An informed tenant may be better able to solve problems with his or her landlord directly, without the need for lawyers or judges.
Note: Tenants in public housing and other federal- and state-assisted housing have rights in addition to those discussed in this manual.
This manual is for landlords
Although written for tenants, this manual can also be of help to landlords. The manual describes a landlord’s legal duties in renting apartments or homes to tenants. Landlords who know and follow the law are more likely to have good tenants and well-kept property. Following the law is just good business.
Acknowledgments
This edition of Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey was revised by LSNJ vice presidents Connie Pascale and Harris David. It is based on several prior editions written by Felipe Chavana, David G. Sciarra, Harris David, and Connie Pascale. Susan Perger, LSNJ director of technology and publications, was responsible for editing, design, layout, and production. Special thanks to other LSNJ staff who made this edition possible: Linda Garibaldi, senior attorney; Marcie Harrison, staff attorney; Kathie Stoppello, law librarian; Tom Makin, director of development and communications; Donna Hildreth, director of training; Tricia Simpson-Curtin, writer/editor; and Maribel Whitfield, administrative assistant.
Comments or suggestions
We hope that this manual will be helpful to you. Please let us know if you have comments or suggestions that we might use in future editions. You can write to us or e-mail us at:
Legal Services of New Jersey
P.O. Box 1357
Edison, NJ 08818-1357
Melville D. Miller, Jr., President,
Legal Services of New Jersey
Edison, New Jersey
September 2007 |
