My First Eviction in NJ

[Rizwan Halim]

So the moment I have always dreaded has arrived, I have to file for eviction for an otherwise great tenant who has been with me for 3 years of on time payments. She is already 6 days late and the reason I filed is because she has stopped responding to my texts.

I really wanted to work something out with her but realized that I don't want to be at her mercy should she decide to not live upto any agreement we come up with. So anyway here I go with my questions:

1) I filed with the court today for eviction and it was surprisingly easy (for e.g. no notice requirement) for non-payment of rent. I think the average timeline in 1.5 months from the date of filing. What happens next, are there any gotchas and do people here think I need an attorney?

2) If she simply cannot pay and is willing to move should I offer her cash for keys? How should I structure this?

3) How soon should I start advertising for new tenants? I am thinking a move in date of 11/1/2013.

Thanks everyone.