Locked Out By The Landlord
N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 — entering a residence without consent or legal process is a disorderly persons offense
Consent, or legal process. In New Jersey, no one may enter and hold property occupied solely as a residence without the consent of the person in possession, except through the eviction procedures the law provides. A person who does so to rental property is a disorderly person.
A tenant who wins an action for unlawful entry and detainer recovers possession, all damages the unlawful entry caused, court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. Where going back into possession is not an appropriate remedy, the court awards treble damages instead.
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 — Unlawful entry prohibited
- N.J.S.A. 2A:39-8 — Recovery of damages and possession; treble damages
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.