Landlord-Tenant Disputes Attorney in Union City, New Jersey

Many people who are either currently renting or have been renters at some point in their lives know that the relationship between a tenant and landlord can be tricky to negotiate. In the best case scenario, there are open lines of communication and each party can have their needs addressed. Sadly, this is not always the case. If you’re in the middle of a dispute either as a tenant or a landlord and feel it might result in litigation, you may need the help of a real estate attorney. At Hudson Law Firm, we’re committed to helping our clients protect their rights and understand their dispute options. We’re located in Union City, New Jersey, but serve those in the neighboring areas including Jersey City, Bayonne, Hoboken, North Bergen, and New Jersey. Call us today to set up a consultation.

New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law

In New Jersey, both landlords and tenants have a certain set of obligations they must observe when they enter into a lease agreement. This includes certain disclosures, limits on security deposits and returns, late fees, when and how a landlord may access the property, and eviction rules. These laws are complex but necessary to protect both the landlord and tenant rights.

Tenant Rights

Tenants have a number of rights under federal and state law. Among them are a tenant’s right to safe, clean, and decent housing, including regular maintenance and proper disclosures for concerns like lead paint. A tenant also has a right to sue their landlord in a small claims court to have their deposit returned, as well as to withhold rent if their landlord fails to maintain the property for essential services. This is known as the “repair and deduct” law, and it allows a tenant to pay for needed repairs using their rent money and to deduct this amount from what they pay their landlord. These repairs must be communicated to the landlord ahead of time to give them ample opportunity to make the repair themselves, and the issues must pose a direct threat to the tenant’s health and well being.

Landlord Rights

Landlords also retain a number of rights including the right to withhold a security deposit, the right to evict a tenant as long as they are acting within state and local ordinances, and the right to perform background and credit checks on tenants. Landlord rights are equally as important as a tenant’s, and our firm has experience on both sides of these disputes. We believe everyone has the right to a safe place to live, but we also know that landlords face their own set of concerns when renting out their property.

Dispute Remedies

In most cases, these disputes can be handled outside of the courtroom through mediation; however, some may require the use of litigation. In either case, it’s essential that all actions remain lawful and that neither the tenant nor the landlord take matters into their own hands. If a landlord unfairly evicts a tenant or stops essential services, they run the risk of being sued. On the other hand, if a tenant withholds rent or damages the property, they, too, can be sued for their actions. To ensure your rights are protected and that you’re following the law, you should consult with a real estate lawyer when you run into any kind of lease dispute.