How to legally evict a troublemaker tenant?

[Andy S.]

Requesting guidance from experienced landlords in New Jersey. 

I have a trouble tenant renting a condo from me for past 4 years. Every time there is an appliance issue, he threatens me to deduct money from the rent if there is more than 2 days delay in repair. I am very responsive to their issues and have been sending contractors for repairs every time they have reported issues with appliances. However at times it has take about 7-8 days for repair. The tenant is using this as a leverage and is threatening me to deduct money from the rent. Also there is 1 month of rent he forced me to use from his security deposit, citing covid related hardships. 8 months have passed and he has still not replenished the security deposit.

What are the best legal ways I can evict this tenant? What valid reasons I can give him without breaking NJ law? Pls advise. Thanks

[Jill F.]

Andy,learn the laws in your state and municipality. Here is a NJ site with links to applicable revised code:https://nj.gov/dca/divisions/c...

In Ohio the tenant would have to make the repair request in writing and you would have 30 days to rectify the problem and if not rectified after 30 days the tenant could escrow rent with the court.

Knowing the rules in your area is your best defense.