Tenant not paying rent during COVID in NJ

[Neil Nagaria]

Hello all

I have multiple single family properties in NJ. During these difficult times I have not pressed anyone for there rents, fortunately I’ve been paid on time by all of them except one. I believe her and her husband are getting unemployment and have received stimulus checks for the family however she’s denying it. She seems to want to work the system and have other agencies pay her rent. This has has been going on since April. She got any agency to pay $1000 of her $1800 rent.  And hasn’t paid anything for may or June. Ive reached out to her multiple times to try and work things out with her. Even sent her a certified letter with all attempted dates of communication. Her lease is scheduled to expire on July 31st. My contract states for a 30 day notice, but I’m planning to send a certified letter 45 days prior. NJ state laws are tough, and although you can’t just do a non-renewal, you can if they haven’t paid any rent. I’m not sure if the recent COVID rules apply to this,as this is technically not an eviction, which isn’t allowed at the current time based in my understanding.  I have a deposit of $2700, which she has already burned through. On vacating the premises, is it possible to take her to court for repairs/ damage?  I’d appreciate any suggestions or comments anyone else may have.
   

[Patricia Steiner]

Don't operate on fear.  Don't what-if yourself.  Operate like you OWN THE PLACE - and you do!  With the ban on evictions just days away from being lifted, those tenants who "played" the system are about to get a wake-up call.

Think NO.  NO.  No more negotiating. No more trying to accommodate.  Just "your lease will NOT be renewed.  I will be at your unit at 4:00 p.m. with a third party to complete the final walk-through."  That "third party" usually is enough to realize that the gig is up.

Send the letter with proof of delivery required and by certified mail with signature required.  Then at 30 days, also email them a termination letter.  Leave them no room to claim they didn't receive notice. 

And, not only are you entitled to all damages and unpaid rent, be sure to report them to the credit bureau and assign the amount due to a collection agency.  Your chances of collection increase greatly when they can't buy that next car, get that next credit card, etc.

You're almost done with them! Rock on...