Tenant trying to negotiate lower rent due after lease expiration

[Sandy S.]

I have a case with a tenant that is trying to negotiate a lower rent due to delayed repairs/inconvenience of doing repairs. I do not agree with their counter-proposed rent.  The lease had already expired last month, and they have not signed a lease renewal form that I sent them 30 days before lease expiration. The renewal lease is for a full year.

According to NJ law:

1) Does a tenant's non-signing of the lease automatically turn into a month-to-month lease?

2) Do I have the right to not renew the lease, given that I do not agree to their counterproposal?

3) What time frame do I have to give them to vacate the premises?

Are there any other gotchas related to NJ state law regarding landlord/tenant lease agreements?

[Kelly Arthur]

Since it’s now month to month, you can terminate the lease giving them notice at least 30 days before the next rent payment is due. I’m in NJ (landlord and sitting for real estate license test this week). My textbook says, “to end a month to month tenancy, NJ requires one month’s written notice before the date the rent is due”.