Can a Landlord Shut Off Electricity for Non-Payment in New Jersey?

If you're renting in New Jersey and are worried about your landlord shutting off your electricity because of non-payment, it's crucial to understand your rights and what the law allows. Electricity is an essential service, and New Jersey law has strict protections for tenants to ensure access to utilities. This article explains your rights, what landlords can and can't do, official forms, and where to get help.

Landlord Utility Shut Offs: What New Jersey Law Says

Under New Jersey law, landlords cannot legally shut off your electricity—or any other essential service—solely because of non-payment of rent. This is considered a form of self-help eviction and is strictly prohibited by both the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act and the Truth-in-Renting Act.^[1]

• Landlords cannot interrupt, discontinue, or cause the disruption of essential services—including electricity—to force payment or move-out.
• Proper legal eviction (through court order) is the only way a landlord can remove a tenant for non-payment of rent.
• If the landlord includes utilities in your rent, they must stay on as long as you live in the unit—even if you owe back rent.
• If you pay utilities directly to the provider, the landlord generally cannot control those services but must not interfere with your access.

Exceptions and Real-World Examples

There are virtually no exceptions that allow a landlord to disconnect your electricity. Even if you are behind on rent, the landlord must seek eviction through the courts, not by shutting off utilities. The law recognizes that electricity is vital for health and safety.

What to Do if Your Landlord Shuts Off Your Electricity

If your electricity is shut off by your landlord, you have rights and immediate steps to seek relief:

• Notify your landlord in writing that shutoffs are illegal and request immediate restoration of service.
• Contact your local code enforcement office (see DCA Municipal Codes Directory).
• You may be able to file an emergency complaint with your local court.
• Document everything: Take photos, keep records, and save communication.

Forms That May Be Required

• Complaint for Emergency Relief (LT-1)
  This court form is used if you need to urgently restore utilities or habitability in your rental. For example, if your landlord has illegally shut off your electricity, you may file LT-1 with the Special Civil Part of the New Jersey Superior Court. Download the LT-1 Packet from the NJ Courts website.
• Notice to Landlord of Violation
  While there is no standard state form, you should provide the landlord with written notice that they've violated your rights and request immediate restoration.

Who Handles Utility Shut Off Complaints?

The New Jersey Superior Court, Special Civil Part, Landlord-Tenant Section hears cases involving emergency restoration of utilities and tenant-landlord disputes regarding essential services.

Your Rights Under New Jersey Tenancy Legislation

Relevant laws on utility shutoffs and tenant protections include:

• New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1)
• Truth-in-Renting Act
• State Codes on Habitability and Essential Services

These laws ensure that landlords provide and maintain essential services, including electricity, as part of their duty for safe and habitable housing.

FAQ: New Jersey Utility Shutoffs & Renter Rights

1. Can my landlord ever legally turn off my electricity in New Jersey?
   No, landlords cannot legally turn off your electricity for non-payment of rent or as a way to force you to leave. Only a utility provider can disconnect electricity (if you have an account) and only after proper notice and under strict rules.
2. What should I do immediately if my landlord disconnects my utilities?
   Write to your landlord demanding immediate restoration, contact your local code official, and file an emergency complaint (Form LT-1) with the court if service is not restored.
3. What if my lease says I am responsible for paying for electricity?
   If you pay the utility company directly and fall behind, only the utility—not your landlord—can disconnect service, and you will receive notice with options to avoid shutoff.
4. Can I deduct the cost of restoring utilities from my rent?
   In urgent cases, New Jersey law may let you withhold or deduct reasonable costs if the utility shutoff was illegal and you followed proper notice steps. Keep documentation.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in New Jersey cannot legally shut off your electricity for non-payment—only a court can authorize eviction.
• Use the Complaint for Emergency Relief (LT-1) if your landlord refuses to restore essential services.
• Help is available from local code officials and the New Jersey courts if your rights are violated.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court Information
• NJ Department of Community Affairs: Tenant Rights
• Contact your local code enforcement office for emergency utility complaints

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1. See: New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1), Truth-in-Renting Act
2. LT-1: Complaint for Emergency Relief Form (NJ Courts)
3. New Jersey Superior Court: Landlord-Tenant Section

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