THROWING a tenant out...

[John Romero]

So one of the biggest fears of any landlord is a non paying, non LEAVING tenant. In NJ, i'm finding out we have some incredibly strict eviction laws. It's tough to evict someone, a lot of legal issues involved, and the process is time consuming.

I understand that the days of walking into YOUR unit that a tenant is not paying for and squatting in with a crowbar and and crazy look in your eye are over. You can't just threaten to KICK someone out and leave all their belongings in the front yard.

So...

If a tenant of mine is not paying...why can't I move right in with them? After all it's MY unit, MY utilities, MY mortgage payment. Could I just move right in while the legal paperwork is being processed, set up camp in one of the rooms and be the most obnoxious, loud, annoying SOB room mate imaginable and have the tenant willingly move out because of my actions?

Nothing illegal, no threats, just move in with them and make their lives a living hell. Bring a few of my mastiff dogs to live with me, you know make it very uncomfortable.

[Jon Holdman]

Self help evictions are never a good idea. If you don't like the tough laws in NJ, buy rentals somewhere else. Follow the process and it will work out as best as it can. Trying a shortcut can result in a much worse outcome.