I rent an apartment in New Jersey. Does the landlord have to provide me with a copy of my lease?

Question

I moved in February 08 and signed the lease. The landlord told me that he would mail me a copy of the lease. Never got the copy of the lease or written notice as to where my $950 deposit is being held. Been calling and going to the office for the past 4 mos about several issues. Noisy neighbors upstairs, kitchen cabinet fell down, ceiling in bathroom is leaking, and my refrigerator leaks water all over the floor. Also, the neighbors upstairs cut my cable line trying to steal cable and I had to file a report with the police. Have had continuous problems with them (they moved in after me). I've had it, but am not sure of my terms and/or if I can get out of the lease. To date I've gotten no reply from the landlord. State Code Dept. came yesterday and made a report. I'm just hoping that he can't evict me because of all my complaints, although I want out, not ready just yet. Last month I only paid half rent in an attempt to get some reply. Still none. Not sure what to do.

Answer 1

Yes, you should've gotten a copy the day you signed it.  If not, you should've asked for it, they'll probably charge you to give you a copy of it now.

Answer 2

absoutely yes

Answer 3

another thing with NJ, it your rental fall under the Anti-eviction act, the landlord within 30 days of you moving in must supply in witting the name of the bank, its location and the account number where your security deposit monies are held, failure to do so will allow you to send a letter telling the landlord based upon their failure to follow statute the security deposit monies must be applied to next month rent and the landlord can not ask for another security deposit during your time in the unit

Remember NJ is a just cause state, so if your unit is under NJ anti-eviction act the landlord will need cause under NJ SA 61.1 a-q to remove you even if you are month  to month

Answer 4

Yes.  You can't cancel your lease just cause you didn't get a copy.  THere is a court form that demands that he provide the copy.  In 10 days you could have a judge undo your lease if he doesn't deliver it.  Do you want out.  Or you just want to know what you signed.

THis is a good lesson.  Never put yourself in this position again.  After you sign a contract, never never never let the other person put it in their briefcase and say "I'll get you a copy later".   NO.  There are too many grocery stores and libraries with copy machines. Use one.

Answer 5

At the time of the leasing, yes they are required to give you a copy of the lease

Having provided you with a copy, they may not be required to provide another, and may charge you copying and accessing charges if they do so