Do I need a restraining order to qualify for early lease termination?

No, you can also use a police report or certification from a third-party professional when ending your lease due to domestic violence in New Jersey.

Can a landlord refuse to change my locks if I request it for domestic violence reasons?

No. New Jersey law requires landlords to approve your request and deny keys to an abuser who is not listed on the lease.

Will I lose my security deposit if I terminate my lease early due to domestic violence?

Your landlord cannot keep your deposit solely for moving out early under the state’s protections, as long as you follow official procedures.

Where do I file a complaint if my landlord won’t honor my rights?

You can contact the Bureau of Housing Inspection or apply to the New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court to resolve the issue.

Can my landlord tell other tenants about my domestic violence situation?

No. Your landlord must keep your information confidential unless you provide written permission or law requires disclosure.

New Jersey Tenant Rights: Domestic Violence Protections

Security, Locks & Emergency Protections New Jersey published June 21, 2025

If you are a renter in New Jersey and have experienced domestic violence, the state offers important protections to help keep you and your household safe. Understanding your rights can empower you to take steps like changing locks or ending your lease early, while ensuring you follow official procedures laid out in New Jersey law.

Your Rights as a Renter Facing Domestic Violence in New Jersey

New Jersey provides strong legal protections for tenants experiencing domestic violence. Under the state’s Anti-Eviction Act and related statutes, you may be able to:

Terminate your lease without penalty if you need to move for safety reasons
Request a lock change or install new locks for additional security
Prevent your landlord from disclosing your situation to others without your permission

These protections also prevent landlords from retaliating against tenants who assert their rights, and landlords cannot refuse to rent to someone solely because they are a victim of domestic violence.

Changing Locks for Protection

If you fear for your safety, you have the right to request a lock change. According to New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act and the New Jersey Statutes Title 46 – Property, tenants may independently change locks or ask their landlord to do so if a household member is at risk from domestic violence. The landlord cannot refuse this request, and cannot provide keys to the alleged abuser if they are not a tenant of record.

How to Request a Lock Change

Notify your landlord in writing and request the lock change, explaining your situation and referencing your rights under New Jersey law.
If the landlord refuses, you may arrange the change yourself, but must provide the landlord with a copy of the new key—excluding the abuser, if applicable.

New Jersey does not require a particular form for a lock change request, but putting your request in writing with documentation (such as a restraining order) is helpful.

Ending Your Lease Early Due to Domestic Violence

New Jersey law allows tenants who are victims of domestic violence to terminate their lease early without penalties. This process involves strict steps and official notice to your landlord.

Provide your landlord with written notice stating your intent to terminate the lease due to safety concerns.
Enclose one of the following documents: a copy of a restraining order, a police report documenting domestic violence, or certification from a qualified third-party (such as a healthcare provider or counselor).
Use the official Notice to Terminate Lease Due to Domestic Violence (N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.6) form. While the state does not publish a one-size-fits-all form, renters can follow the statutory requirements as described in Title 46 and refer to the guidance from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.

Example: If you have a restraining order and feel unsafe, you may issue your landlord a written notice (including the order), stating your intent to terminate the lease in 30 days based on the law.

Official Resources, Forms, and Where to File Complaints

Notice to Terminate Lease Due to Domestic Violence (N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.6): Used when a tenant wants to end a lease early for safety. Attach supporting documentation. See guidance at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – Landlord-Tenant Forms.
TRO (Temporary Restraining Order): Available via the local police or county courthouse. Provides legal protection and serves as documentation for other tenant actions. Learn how to apply with the New Jersey Courts Self-Help – Domestic Violence site.
If you experience a landlord refusing your rights or retaliation, you can make a complaint to the Bureau of Housing Inspection (DCA). For lease disputes, the New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court handles cases, including those related to tenant safety.

The tribunal responsible for landlord-tenant disputes is the New Jersey Landlord/Tenant Section of the Special Civil Part.

Tip: Always keep copies of any correspondence with your landlord, and any legal documents related to your case.

Relevant New Jersey Laws for Renters

New Jersey Statutes Title 46 – Property (including anti-eviction and domestic violence provisions)
New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act
Title 2A:18-61.1 et seq (Summary Proceedings for Landlord and Tenant)

These laws protect tenants from eviction and outline your safety rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a restraining order to qualify for early lease termination?
No, you can use a restraining order, a police report, or certification from a qualified third-party as documentation under New Jersey law.
Can a landlord refuse to change my locks if I request it for domestic violence reasons?
No. Under New Jersey law, your landlord must grant your request for a lock change and cannot provide keys to the abuser if they are not a tenant.
Will I lose my security deposit if I terminate my lease early due to domestic violence?
Your landlord cannot penalize you or keep your security deposit solely for leaving early under these protections, as long as you've followed the formal process.
Where do I file a complaint if my landlord won’t honor my rights?
Contact the Bureau of Housing Inspection or, for disputes, apply to the Landlord-Tenant Court.
Can my landlord tell other tenants about my domestic violence situation?
No, your landlord must keep your situation confidential unless you allow disclosure or the law requires it.

Key Takeaways

New Jersey law provides strong protections for tenants facing domestic violence, including lock changes and early lease termination.
You must give proper written notice and documentation if seeking to break your lease for safety.
State agencies and the Landlord-Tenant Court offer help if your landlord doesn’t cooperate or if your rights are violated.

Remember: These laws are in place to help you stay safe while renting in New Jersey.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

New Jersey Bureau of Housing Inspection – Landlord Tenant Information: Call (609) 633-6241 for tenant rights questions.
New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court – Special Civil Part: Handles residential tenancy cases, including safety and eviction matters.
Landlord-Tenant Forms and Guidance (NJ DCA)
New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault: Crisis advocacy, including for tenants in danger.
NJ DCA Renters FAQ: Answers for renters on rights and protections.