Need help on Right of Entry in NJ

[Nicholas Jose]

Good afternoon, BP.

I've read the Right of Entry section in the NJ Truth in Renting pamphlet; however, I have some questions I don't think the document adequately addresses:

1. If an inherited-tenant does not wish to provide the new landlord with a key, the landlord may evict the tenant for not complying with the reasonable lease provision. The landlord then has the burden to prove that his request for a key is not unreasonable. What examples could an "unreasonable request" be? Just emergencies that could result in loss of life/property?
2. If an inherited-tenant does not wish to provide the new landlord with a key, what should the landlord do: begin eviction (and prove his "unreasonable request") or take the case to the Superior Court of NJ?
3. If a prospective tenant passed the screening but refused to give the landlord a key during lease-signing (despite attempts to reach a mutual agreement), can the landlord still reject the applicant and start over?

[Peter Tverdov]

Originally posted by @Nicholas Jose:

Originally posted by @Peter Tverdov:

I'm not a lawyer (just a NJ realtor and property manager) but in my experience a Notice to Cease usually gets tenants to comply. If they want to play with fire then file an eviction. I think your third question might be written backwards.

Re-reading my question again, it does sound a bit confusing. Let me try rephrasing it again:

3. Suppose you've screened an applicant and found him/her to be the perfect tenant. When we're both reviewing the lease with our attorney, one provision allows the landlord to have a copy of the tenant's key. Unfortunately, the applicant does not want me to have access to his/her unit and is not willing to meet me halfway. In this situation, would I be in the position to deny the applicant the rental unit and pick another applicant who's more compliant with this provision?

 Tell them to take a hike.