The Anti-Eviction Act (AEA), N.J.S. 2A:18-61.1 et seq., was enacted almost 40 years ago. Prior to that, all tenancy eviction actions (residential and nonresidential) were subject to the provisions of N.J.S. 2A:18-53; now, most residential tenancies are subject to the AEA. The intent of the AEA was to provide relief to residential tenants by requiring a good cause, or “ground,” for eviction. The statute originally contained only 13 grounds for eviction, but that number has increased to 18.
Subsection g of N.J.S. 2A:18-61.1 provides that a landlord may evict a tenant when the landlord or owner “(3) seeks to correct an illegal occupancy because he has been cited by local or state housing inspectors or zoning officers and it is unfeasible to correct such illegal occupancy without removing the tenant.” Section h of N.J.S. 2A:18-61.1 provides that “If a residential tenant is displaced because of an illegal occupancy…pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection g. of…2A:18-61.1…the displaced residential tenant shall be entitled to reimbursement for relocation expenses from the owner in an amount equal to six times the monthly rental paid by the displaced person.”
