Newbie landlord looking for advice on non paying tenant in NJ

[Nicholas R Paust]

I recently acquire my first rental and the tenant paid the first month on-time.  As of yesterday Aug 1 they are now two months behind.  I reached out to them the first time and apologized and said they are going to be paying along with the late fee.  I reached out again yesterday after not receiving either payment and was told they are applying for assistance.  The property is located in NJ and from I understand the eviction moratorium goes until Jan 1, 2022.   I just wanted to know should I be doing something now to protect myself.  So far I just sent a certified letter saying they were 1 month behind and acquired a late fee.  Is this something I should continue?  I also noticed the assistance they applied for  is a lottery so who's to say they'll get it. The assistance  program is Emergency rental assistance program (CVERAP) phase II   https://njdca.onlinepha.com    

Also would you recommend i seek legal advise and if so any recommendations in NJ

Thanks

[Rick K.]

Begin filing for eviction immediately. There are certain steps a NJ landlord must take. Notice to Quit, etc...

I have changed my stance dealing with tenants after this unconstitutional No Eviction Moratorium has been enacted. Crisis actor, Gov Phil Murphy, has encouraged tenants not to pay rent.

Incident: Worked with a tenant for several years after a hardship. Fell behind rent 1 months, then 2 months, 2.5 months, temporary caught up always owing 1 month. Behind in several quarter water bills. Never charged late fees, and did not increase rent. All the meanwhile tenant promising to eventually receive state aid. Fell behind 3 months pre-pandemic without any state assistance in site. Gave them a courtesy notice this can not continue, and will be filing for eviction. Tenant could not accept this, and just lost it. 4 adults in the house refused to work, look for a job. Court date scheduled for March 2020. Pandemic hit.  That exact week, courts shut down, our appearance cancelled.  Murphy announced No Evictions Moratorium. Tenant took full advantage and lived rent free for 17 months. Recently moved out, owing rent, water service, damages for $40K+. Again, they were unaffected by the pandemic. Also, a new car was purchased, seen in the driveway.

Never again. Give a bum an inch with assistance, and get screwed for it.