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In New Jersey, the Verified Complaint for Nonpayment of Rent form serves as a critical document for landlords seeking to address tenant lease violations related to unpaid rent. Acting within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Special Civil Part, this form outlines the necessary steps and information required to initiate legal proceedings against a tenant. This includes the identification of both plaintiff (landlord) and defendant (tenant), a detailed account of rent owed, and the option for tenants to clear their dues before trial to dismiss the complaint. Importantly, it emphasizes the need for landlords to avoid including sensitive personal identifiers, in compliance with public document regulations. The form also accommodates cases beyond nonpayment of rent, requiring attached notices for other breaches. Furthermore, it stipulates conditions for cases involving subsidized tenancies, ensuring compliance with federal and state programs. The landlord's verification confirms the truthfulness of the complaint, under penalty of perjury, and acknowledges any special requirements needed for trial, such as language interpreters or accommodations for disabilities. This form not only formalizes the complaint process but also highlights the legal obligations of landlords to responsibly manage and protect tenant information while navigating the resolution of lease violations.

Sample - Verified Complaint Landlord Tenant New Jersey Form

Appendix XI-X Verified Complaint - Nonpayment of Rent

NOTICE: This is a public document, which means the document as submitted will be available to the public upon request. Therefore, do not enter personal identifiers on it, such as Social Security number, driver’s license number, vehicle plate number, insurance policy number, active financial account number, active credit card number or military status.

Plaintiff or Filing Attorney Information:

Name

NJ Attorney ID Number

Address

Email

Telephone Number

,

Name of Plaintiff(s)/Landlord(s), v.

,

Name of Defendant(s)/Tenant(s).

Superior Court of New Jersey

Law Division, Special Civil Part

County

Docket Number: LT

Civil Action

Verified Complaint

Landlord/Tenant

Non-payment of Rent

Other (Required Notices Attached)

Commercial

Residential

Address of Rental Premises:

 

 

 

 

.

 

Tenant’s Phone Number:

 

 

.

Tenant’s Email:

 

 

.

1. The owner of record is (name of owner)

2. Plaintiff is the owner or (check one)

.

agent, assignee, grantee or prime tenant of the owner.

3.The landlord did

4.The landlord has

did not acquire ownership of the property from the tenant(s).

has not given the tenant(s) an option to purchase the property.

5. The tenant(s) now reside(s) in and has (have) been in possession of these premises since (date)

,

under (check one)

written or

oral agreement

 

 

6.

Check here if the tenancy is subsidized pursuant to either a federal or state program or the rental unit is public housing.

7. The landlord has registered the leasehold and notified tenant as required by N.J.S.A. 46:8-27.

8. The amount that must be paid by the tenant(s) for these premises is $

 

, payable on the

 

day of each

month or

week in advance.

 

 

 

 

Complete Paragraphs 9A and 9B if Complaint is for Non-Payment of Rent

Revised 07/14/2020, CN 11252 (Appendix XI-X)

page 1

(Attach additional sheets if necessary.)

9A. There is due, unpaid and owing from tenant(s) to plaintiff/landlord rent as follows:

$

base rent for

 

(specify the week or month)

$

base rent for

 

(specify the week or month)

$

base rent for

 

(specify the week or month)

$

late charge* for

 

(specify the week or month)

$

late charge* for

 

(specify the week or month)

$

late charge* for

 

(specify the week or month)

$attorney fees*

$other* (specify)

$TOTAL

*The late charges, attorney fees and other charges are permitted to be charged as rent for purposes of this action by federal, state and local law (including rent control and rent leveling) and by the lease.

9B. The date that the next rent is due is (date)

 

.

If this case is scheduled for trial before that date, the total amount you must pay to have this complaint

dismissed is (Total from line 9A)

$

 

.

If this case is scheduled for trial on or after that date, the total amount you must pay to have this

complaint dismissed is $

.

 

 

 

(Total from line 9A plus the amount of the next rent due)

These amounts do not include late fees or attorney fees for Section 8 and public housing tenants. Payment may be made to the landlord or the clerk of the court at any time before the trial date, but on the trial date payment must be made by 4:30 p.m. to get the case dismissed.

Check Paragraphs 10 and 11 if the Complaint is for other than, or in addition to, Non-Payment of Rent. Attach All Notices to Cease and Notices to Quit/Demands For Possession.

10.

Landlord seeks a judgment for possession for the additional or alternative reason(s) stated in the notices attached to this complaint. State Reasons:

11.

The tenant(s) has (have) not surrendered possession of the premises and tenant(s) hold(s) over and continue(s) in possession without the consent of landlord.

WHEREFORE, plaintiff/landlord demands judgment for possession against the tenant(s) listed above, together with costs

Dated:

(Signature of Filing Attorney or Landlord Pro Se)

(Printed or Typed Name of Attorney or Landlord Pro Se)

Revised 07/14/2020, CN 11252 (Appendix XI-X)

page 2

Landlord Verification

1.I certify that I am the landlord, general partner of the partnership, or authorized officer of a corporation or limited liability company that owns the premises in which tenant(s) reside(s).

2.I have read the verified complaint and the information contained in it is true and based on my personal knowledge.

3.The matter in controversy is not the subject of any other court action or arbitration proceeding now pending or contemplated and no other parties should be joined in this action except (list exceptions or indicate none):

.

4.I certify that confidential personal identifiers have been redacted from documents now submitted to the court, and will be redacted from all documents submitted in the future in accordance with RULE 1:38-7(b).

5.The foregoing statements made by me are true and I am aware that if any of the foregoing statements made by me are willfully false, I am subject to punishment.

At the trial plaintiff will require:

An interpreter

An accommodation for a disability

Yes

Yes

No

Indicate language

 

No

Required accommodation

 

Dated:

(Signature of Landlord, Partner or Officer)

(Printed Name of Landlord, Partner or Officer)

Revised 07/14/2020, CN 11252 (Appendix XI-X)

page 3

Document Specifications

<%-- Governing Law --%>
Fact Number Detail
1 The Verified Complaint is a formal legal document used in New Jersey for landlord-tenant disputes specifically relating to non-payment of rent.
2 This document must not contain personal identifiers to protect individuals’ privacy, adhering to public document regulations.
3 It includes essential information like plaintiff or filing attorney and defendant details, including names and contact information.
4 The complaint is filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Special Civil Part, indicating its jurisdiction.
5 Details regarding the rental premises, including address and tenancy specifics such as duration and type (commercial/residential), are mandated.
6 Landlords must declare if the tenancy is subsidized by federal or state programs, impacting the legal considerations of the case.
7 It requires a breakdown of the amounts due, including base rent, late charges, attorney fees, among others, based on the lease and applicable laws.
8 The document specifies the lawful process for dispute resolution, including payment to dismiss the complaint and court trial procedures.
9Governing laws include N.J.S.A. 46:8-27 for leasehold registration and notice requirements, alongside federal, state, and local housing regulations.

Detailed Steps for Using Verified Complaint Landlord Tenant New Jersey

Filling out the Verified Complaint for Landlord-Tenant form in New Jersey is a crucial step for landlords seeking to address issues related to the nonpayment of rent. It's essential to approach this document with attention to detail to ensure that all the information provided is accurate and complete. By carefully following the step-by-step instructions, landlords or their attorneys can prepare this legal document effectively. Keep in mind, the information submitted through this form will be public, so avoid including any personal identifiers to maintain privacy.

  1. Start by entering the name, New Jersey Attorney ID Number (if applicable), address, email, and telephone number of the plaintiff or filing attorney in the designated section at the top of the form.
  2. Write the names of the plaintiff(s)/landlord(s) and the defendant(s)/tenant(s) in the appropriate spaces provided.
  3. Under the "Superior Court of New Jersey Law Division, Special Civil Part," fill in the county and the docket number (LT) associated with the case.
  4. Specify the type of complaint by checking the appropriate box: Non-payment of Rent, Other, and whether the complaint concerns a Commercial or Residential property.
  5. Include the address of the rental premises, as well as the tenant’s phone number and email address.
  6. Indentify the owner of record and clarify the plaintiff's relationship to the owner by checking the appropriate box: owner, agent, assignee, grantee, or prime tenant.
  7. Indicate whether the landlord acquired ownership from the tenant(s) and if the tenant(s) were given an option to purchase the property.
  8. State the commencement date of tenancy and the basis of the agreement (written or oral).
  9. Check if the tenancy is subsidized or if the unit is public housing.
  10. Confirm that the leasehold has been registered and the tenant notified as required by N.J.S.A. 46:8-27.
  11. Detail the monthly or weekly rent amount, including the day it's payable.
  12. For cases of non-payment of rent, fill out sections 9A and 9B, specifying the outstanding rent and next due rent amounts as required.
  13. If applicable, check paragraphs 10 and 11, providing additional reasons for the complaint beyond non-payment of rent and attach all required notices.
  14. Sign and date the complaint at the bottom of Page 2, providing your printed or typed name.
  15. In the Landlord Verification section, certify your relation to the property and the truthfulness of the complaint, indicate if the issue is part of any other legal proceedings, and confirm the redaction of personal identifiers. Also, specify if an interpreter or any disability accommodation is required at trial.
  16. Finally, sign and date the verification section, providing your printed name below the signature.

After completing the form, review all entries for accuracy and completeness. The next step involves submitting the document to the relevant court, following the specific submission guidelines provided by the local court system. It’s imperative to keep a copy of the completed form for your records and for future reference throughout the legal process.

Learn More on Verified Complaint Landlord Tenant New Jersey

What is the Verified Complaint for Non-Payment of Rent in New Jersey?

The Verified Complaint for Non-Payment of Rent is a document a landlord in New Jersey uses to begin a legal process against a tenant for not paying rent. This form is submitted to the Superior Court of New Jersey's Law Division, Special Civil Part. It outlines the details of the rent owed, late charges, attorney fees, and other relevant information.

Who can file a Verified Complaint for Non-Payment of Rent?

A landlord, or their attorney, holding the title as the owner, or an agent, assignee, grantee, or prime tenant authorized by the owner, can file this complaint. The filing party must certify that they hold such a position in relation to the premises and the tenant(s).

What information is required when filling out this form?

When filing the Verified Complaint, the following information must be included:

  1. The names and contact information of both the landlord (or filing attorney) and tenant(s).
  2. The address of the rental premises in question.
  3. Details regarding tenancy, including whether there's a written or oral agreement, and if it is subsidized by a federal or state program.
  4. The amount of unpaid rent, including base rent and any allowed charges like late fees or attorney fees.
  5. A certification from the landlord attesting to the accuracy of the complaint's information and acknowledging the legal implications of falsifying information.

Are personal identifiers required on this form?

No, personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and other sensitive information should not be included on this form. It's a public document, so personal identifiers must be redacted to protect privacy.

What happens after filing a Verified Complaint for Non-Payment of Rent?

Once filed, the court will schedule a trial or hearing to address the complaint. Before this date, tenants have the opportunity to pay the amount due as specified in the complaint to have the case dismissed. If the case proceeds to trial, the court will hear both sides and make a ruling.

Is there a specific time frame within which the rent must be paid to dismiss the complaint?

Yes, tenants must pay the full amount owed as detailed in the complaint by 4:30 p.m. on the trial date to have the complaint dismissed. Payments can be made to the landlord or the clerk of the court before this time.

Can this form be used for reasons other than non-payment of rent?

Yes, while primarily for non-payment of rent, the complaint form includes sections for additional or alternative reasons for seeking possession of the premises. These reasons must be detailed and attached as notices to cease and notices to quit/demands for possession.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Verified Complaint Landlord Tenant New Jersey form is an important step in initiating a legal landlord-tenant court case about nonpayment of rent, among other issues. To ensure the process goes smoothly and your case isn't delayed or dismissed due to avoidable errors, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes people make when completing this form:

  1. Not redacting personal identifiers: The form clearly states that personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account numbers, should not be included. Failing to redact this information can lead to privacy issues and non-compliance with Rule 1:38-7(b).

  2. Incorrectly stating the ownership or agency status: It is crucial to accurately state whether the plaintiff is the owner, agent, assignee, grantee, or prime tenant of the property to avoid confusion or misrepresentation of authority.

  3. Omitting tenancy details: Not specifying whether the agreement is written or oral or neglecting to mention the tenancy's start date can lead to ambiguity about the lease terms.

  4. Forgetting to check the box regarding subsidized tenancy: This is especially important as it may affect the proceedings, especially where rent calculations and legal obligations may differ.

  5. Failing to properly itemize and justify charges: Besides the base rent, all additional charges such as late fees and attorney fees must be clearly listed and justified according to the lease and applicable laws.

  6. Not attaching required notices: If the complaint includes reasons beyond non-payment of rent, applicable notices such as Notices to Cease or Notices to Quit/Demands for Possession must be attached. Failure to do so can result in incomplete documentation.

  7. Incorrectly calculating total amounts due: It is easy to make errors in calculating the total amount due, considering next rent due, late fees, and attorney fees. This can significantly impact the case, specifically the settlement amount needed to dismiss the case before trial.

Avoiding these mistakes will not only help streamline the legal process but also strengthen the integrity of your case. Careful attention to detail and adherence to the prescribed form requirements are essential for a successful landlord-tenant action in New Jersey.

Documents used along the form

When dealing with legal matters related to tenancy in New Jersey, specifically the Verified Complaint - Nonpayment of Rent, it's important to understand that this document doesn't work alone. To navigate through this process smoothly, several additional forms and documents are typically employed alongside the Verified Complaint to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the process is as comprehensive as possible. Below is a list of documents often used in conjunction with this form, each playing a vital role in the landlord-tenant legal proceedings.

  • Notice to Cease: This form is a preliminary step before filing a Verified Complaint. It serves as a formal request for the tenant to rectify a violation of the lease agreement. For non-payment cases, this step may be skipped, but it's crucial for other lease violations.
  • Notice to Quit: This document is a landlord's formal notice to the tenant to vacate the premises due to a specified reason, typically delivered after a Notice to Cease for lease violations other than non-payment. It outlines the reasons for eviction and the time frame in which the tenant must leave.
  • Summons: After filing a Verified Complaint, the court issues a Summons. This document is served to the tenant, informing them of the legal proceedings initiated against them and stipulating the time and date they must appear in court.
  • Case Information Statement: This form provides the court with detailed information about the case. It includes both parties' information, the nature of the dispute, and previous attempts to resolve the issue outside of court. It's essential for giving the court a comprehensive overview of the case.
  • Proof of Service: Once the Notice to Quit and Summons have been delivered to the tenant, a Proof of Service document must be filed. This form verifies that the tenant was properly notified of the eviction proceedings, ensuring that the case can legally proceed.

Understanding each of these documents, their purpose, and how they interact is paramount for anyone involved in a landlord-tenant dispute in New Free Jersey. From the initial notice to the final verdict, being well-informed and prepared with the necessary documentation can significantly impact the outcome of your case. It's also a reminder of the importance of following the legal process meticulously to protect your rights and property effectively.

Similar forms

The "Eviction Notice" is a crucial document akin to the Verified Complaint for Nonpayment of Rent in New Jersey. While the Verified Complaint is a formal legal filing initiating court proceedings for eviction due to nonpayment of rent, an Eviction Notice is typically the first step a landlord takes to inform a tenant of the violation of the rental agreement, such as nonpayment, and to begin the eviction process. Both documents are essential in the eviction process but serve different stages; the Eviction Notice forewarns the tenant, and the Verified Complaint seeks legal recourse.

The "Lease Agreement" stands as another document similar to the Verified Complaint. While the Lease Agreement outlines the rights and obligations of both landlord and tenant, including rent details, the Verified Complaint specifically cites breaches in these agreements, particularly concerning rent payment. The existence and terms of the Lease Agreement directly influence the drafting and validity of the Verified Complaint, making them inherently linked in landlord-tenant disputes.

Similar to the Verified Complaint is the "Rent Demand Notice." This document, often a precursor to the Verified Complaint, formally requests the overdue rent from the tenant within a specified period before legal action is taken. It outlines the amount owed and serves as a formal reminder to the tenant. Both the Rent Demand Notice and the Verified Complaint play pivotal roles in the process of addressing nonpayment of rent, but the Rent CGRectMake Notice aims to resolve the issue before reaching the courts.

The "Notice to Quit" shares similarities with the Verified Complaint, especially in its function to initiate the process of reclaiming possession of the property. While the Notice to Quit serves as a preliminary step, giving tenants a final opportunity to vacate the premises or rectify lease violations such as nonpayment of rent, the Verified Complaint is the legal follow-through if the tenant fails to comply. Both are instrumental in the eviction process, marking different stages of legal action.

The "Proof of Service" document complements the Verified Complaint by providing evidence that the tenant received the necessary legal notices, including the Verified Complaint itself. It is a verification process that ensures the tenant was officially informed about the landlord's legal actions, adhering to lawful procedures. The Proof of Service, therefore, is both a safeguard for the tenant's rights and a necessity for the landlord to proceed with the eviction case.

A "Settlement Agreement" can be considered similar to the Verified Complaint in the context of resolution. While the Verified Complaint initiates a formal dispute over nonpayment of rent, a Settlement Agreement could be the document that resolves it outside of court. If both parties reach a mutual agreement on the owed rent and terms of continuation or termination of the lease, the Settlement Agreement can avert the need for a court judgment, serving as a peaceful conclusion to disputes initiated by the Verified Complaint.

The "Judgment for Possession" closely aligns with the Verified Complaint, as it represents the potential culmination of the legal process the Verified Complaint sets in motion. If the court sides with the landlord in the dispute detailed in the Verified Complaint, it will issue a Judgment for Possession, officially granting the landlord the right to regain possession of the property. Thus, while the Verified Complaint starts the legal journey, the Judgment for Possession could be its final destination.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Verified Complaint Landlord Tenant New Jersey form, it is essential to navigate the process carefully to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal requirements. Here are things you should and shouldn't do:

Do:
  • Verify all the information you provide on the form, ensuring that it is accurate and based on personal knowledge. This includes the details about the landlord and tenant, the property, and the nature of the complaint.
  • Redact confidential personal identifiers before submitting the document. This includes Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, vehicle plate numbers, and financial account numbers to protect privacy.
  • Attach all required notices to the complaint, such as Notices to Cease and Notices to Quit/Demands for Possession, if applicable. This documentation is crucial for the legal process.
  • Review federal, state, and local laws, including rent control and rent leveling statutes, to ensure the charges listed in the complaint, such as late fees and attorney fees, are permitted.
  • Sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is true and based on personal knowledge, understanding the legal implications of providing false information.
Don't:
  • Enter personal identifiers on the form. Given that this document will be available to the public upon request, including personal identifiers can lead to identity theft or privacy breaches.
  • Leave out any required attachments or documentation that supports the complaint, such as lease agreements or communication records between the landlord and tenant.
  • Overlook the importance of specificity when filling out the form, particularly in describing the reasons for the complaint and the outcome sought. Vague or incomplete information can lead to delays or challenges in the legal process.
  • Forget to provide contact information for both the landlord and tenant, including addresses, email, and phone numbers. This information is essential for court communication and any necessary follow-up.

By following these guidelines, individuals can ensure their Verified Complaint Landland Tenant New Jersey form is properly filled out and submitted, laying a strong foundation for their legal process.

Misconceptions

There are several misconceptions surrounding the Verified Complaint Landlord-Tenant form in New Jersey that need clarification. Below is a list of these misunderstandings and explanations to shed light on the actual processes and requirements.

  • Misconception 1: Personal information must be fully disclosed on the form.
  • This is inaccurate. The notice clearly states that personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and other sensitive information should not be included, to protect individuals' privacy.

  • Misconception 2: The form is exclusively for disputes over non-payment of rent.
  • While non-payment of rent is a common reason for its use, the form also accommodates complaints related to other disputes between landlords and tenants, provided that the required notices are attached.

  • Misconception 3: The form is only applicable to residential leases.
  • Contrary to this belief, the form caters to both commercial and residential rental disputes, aiding a broader range of landlords and tenants in resolving their legal matters.

  • Misconception 4: Any landlord can file the complaint.
  • Only the owner, agent, assignee, grantee, or prime tenant with authorization from the owner can file the complaint, ensuring that the rightful party is taking legal action.

  • Misconception 5: The form is valid without the landlord's certification.
  • The landlord, or an authorized individual, must certify that the information in the complaint is accurate and based on personal knowledge, adding a layer of verification to the process.

  • Misconception 6: Filing the complaint immediately leads to tenant eviction.
  • Filing this complaint is the start of a legal process that may lead to eviction if the court sides with the landlord. However, tenants have the right to contest the complaint, and a judge’s ruling is necessary for eviction.

  • Misconception 7: Tenants cannot make payments to dismiss the complaint once it's filed.
  • The document details that tenants can make payments to the landlord or the clerk of the court to have the complaint dismissed, provided it’s before the trial date and by the specified time.

  • Misconception 8: Late fees and attorney fees are always included in the total amount due for Section 8 and public housing tenants.
  • The form specifies that these fees are not included in the total amount that must be paid by Section 8 and public housing tenants to dismiss the complaint for non-payment of rent.

  • Misconception 9: The form doesn’t need to accompany notices related to the complaint.
  • For complaints beyond non-payment of rent, notices to cease and to quit/demands for possession must be attached, indicating that proper legal steps were taken before resorting to court action.

  • Misconception 10: The complaint form can be completed and submitted by the tenant.
  • This form is specifically designed for use by landlords or their legal representatives to initiate legal action against tenants, not the other way around.

Understanding these misconceptions is crucial for both landlords and tenants in New Jersey. It ensures that legal actions are taken with a clear knowledge of the processes and requirements involved, leading to fairer and more informed outcomes in disputes.

Key takeaways

When using the Verified Complaint Landlord Tenant New Jersey form for a landlord-tenant dispute over non-payment of rent, there are several key takeaways to ensure the process is completed correctly and efficiently.

  • Confidential Information: It is crucial to remember that the Verified Complaint form will be a public document. You must avoid including personal identifiers like Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and financial account details to protect privacy.
  • Ownership and Representation: The form requires you to specify whether the plaintiff is the owner of the property or is acting in another capacity such as an agent, assignee, or prime tenant of the owner. Clarity in this area helps establish the legal standing to file the complaint.
  • Tenancy Details: Details about the tenancy, including the basis (written or oral agreement), duration, and whether it is subsidized under a federal or state program, need to be clearly provided. This information is essential for the court to understand the nature of the tenancy.
  • Rent and Charges: The document outlines the need to specify the rental amount, due dates, past due amounts including base rent and additional charges such as late fees and attorney fees. If the complaint is for non-payment of rent, it's necessary to list these comprehensively.
  • Payment Instructions:
  • It’s important to inform tenants about how and when payments can be made to potentially dismiss the complaint before the trial. Specific instructions, including deadlines for payment on the trial date, should be followed carefully.
  • Court Requirements: The landlord must verify their relationship to the property and certify the accuracy of the complaint, demonstrating that the information is based on personal knowledge. It's also necessary to indicate whether any accommodations are required for the trial, such as an interpreter or disability access.
  • Legal Verification: At the end of the form, landlords or their legal representatives must sign, verifying the truthfulness of the information provided and acknowledging the legal implications of submitting false information. This step is vital for the integrity of the court process.

Understanding and accurately completing the Verified Complaint Landland Tenant New Jersey form is essential for the legal process to proceed smoothly. These key points help ensure that the necessary information is provided, protecting all parties' rights throughout the process.

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