New Jersey Rules: When Can a Landlord Enter Your Rental?

Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry New Jersey published: June 21, 2025 Flag of New Jersey

If you rent your home in New Jersey, understanding your privacy rights and when your landlord can legally enter your rental property is crucial. State laws outline when, how, and with what notice a landlord may enter, protecting your right to quiet enjoyment while allowing for necessary access. Here's what every New Jersey renter should know about landlord entry notice requirements.

When Can a Landlord Legally Enter a Rental Unit in New Jersey?

Landlords in New Jersey are allowed to enter rented homes for certain reasons, but these are limited. Here are the common situations where entry is permitted:

  • To make necessary repairs or improvements
  • To inspect the property
  • To show the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors
  • In case of emergency (such as fires, water leaks, or situations potentially endangering health or safety)
  • To check if the unit has been abandoned

Except for emergencies, New Jersey law generally expects landlords to provide advance notice before entering a tenant’s rental unit.

Notice Requirements: How Much Advance Notice Must Be Given?

Under New Jersey landlord-tenant law, there is no single statute specifying a universal notice period, but the general standard for non-emergency entry is reasonable notice. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) states that 24 hours’ notice is usually considered reasonable for non-emergency access, such as repairs or inspections.[1]

  • Landlords should provide notice in writing or verbally, describing the reason for entry and the date/time
  • In case of emergency (e.g., suspected fire or major water leak), no notice is required
  • If your lease specifies a notice period (for example, 48 hours), the lease terms apply as long as they comply with state law
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For showing the property to a new tenant or buyer, most landlords and property managers still provide at least 24 hours’ notice and try to schedule at a reasonable time of day.

If your landlord enters without proper notice (and it’s not an emergency), you have the right to address the issue. Start by communicating your concerns in writing. If it continues, you may wish to file a complaint.

What Form Should the Notice Take?

While there is not one required statewide form, the notice should always include:

  • Date of intended entry
  • Time window or range
  • Reason for entry (e.g., repair, inspection, showing)
  • Your landlord’s or agent’s contact information

For apartment complexes or larger properties, many use a written Sample Notice of Entry form. This sample, provided by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), can be used by landlords as official notice.[2]

How Does This Work in Practice?

Example: Your landlord needs to fix a broken heater. They email you a notice stating, "We plan to enter your apartment at 10:00AM on Tuesday, March 21st to repair the heater. Please contact us if this time does not work for you." This satisfies the typical notice requirement.

What if My Landlord Enters Without Notice or Permission?

If a landlord enters without notice in a non-emergency, it may violate your right to privacy and quiet enjoyment. Here’s what you can do:

For housing code violations or repeated entry without notice, tenants can also contact their local municipal housing office. In rare cases, ongoing entry without your consent could be grounds for a formal complaint or legal action.

Relevant Tribunal: Who Handles Rental Disputes in New Jersey?

New Jersey residential tenancy disputes are generally decided by the Landlord-Tenant Section of the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court of New Jersey.[3]

Citing New Jersey Tenancy Legislation

Tenant rights and privacy are protected under New Jersey Statutes Annotated Title 46:8 – Landlord and Tenant and outlined in state resources like the Truth in Renting Guide.[1,4]

  1. Can my landlord enter my apartment without any notice in New Jersey?
    In non-emergencies, landlords should provide reasonable notice (typically 24 hours), unless your lease states otherwise. Only in true emergencies—such as fire or urgent repairs—may a landlord enter without notice.
  2. Is email or text message an acceptable way for my landlord to give notice?
    Yes. Written notice can be delivered by email, text, letter, or posted on your door, as long as the message is clear and you receive it in advance.
  3. What should I do if my landlord enters without permission or proper notice?
    Communicate your concern in writing to the landlord and document every incident. If it continues, contact your local housing office or the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs for support.
  4. Does my landlord have to enter at a reasonable time?
    Yes. Entry should be made at reasonable hours—typically during daytime business hours—unless another time is agreed to, or in an emergency.
  5. Are there official forms for landlord entry in New Jersey?
    While there is no state-mandated form, landlords can use the Sample Notice of Entry provided by the NJ Department of Community Affairs.

Conclusion / Key Takeaways

  • Landlords in New Jersey must generally provide advance notice—usually 24 hours—before entering a rental unit, except in emergencies.
  • Your lease may specify more detailed rules, but rights under state law always apply.
  • If your privacy rights are being violated, document the situation and contact the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs or local housing office for help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. NJ Truth in Renting Guide, 2023 edition, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
  2. Sample Notice of Entry, NJ Department of Community Affairs
  3. Landlord-Tenant Section, Special Civil Part, NJ Superior Court
  4. New Jersey Statutes Annotated Title 46:8 – Landlord and Tenant

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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