Important Notice: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm. For legal representation in Camden County, contact Camden County Legal Aid — 856-964-2010 or Legal Services of New Jersey — 1-888-576-5529.
New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) requires all landlords to have just cause — a specific statutory reason — before they can evict any residential tenant. No-cause evictions are effectively prohibited. Lease expirations do not end tenancies. Rent increases cannot be used to force tenants out without following the Anti-Eviction Act.
Camden County eviction cases are heard in the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court. You have the right to appear, raise defenses, and present evidence. You are not required to have an attorney — but you are required to know the law, or to have documents that assert it for you.
Available Defenses Under New Jersey Law
Each of these can be raised as an affirmative defense in Housing Court.
- N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1Lack of just cause — landlord cannot evict without a statutory reason
- N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56Improper notice — wrong form, timing, or method of service
- N.J.S.A. 2A:42-85 (Habitability)Warranty of habitability — landlord failed to maintain livable conditions
- N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10Retaliation — eviction follows a protected tenant complaint or action
- N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.3Failure to offer lease renewal to long-term tenants
- N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2Three-day notice defect — notice improperly served or insufficient period
- SCRA § 3951Military service — active-duty servicemember or dependent
How to Respond to an Eviction in Camden County
Read the Notice — Identify the Legal Basis
New Jersey requires eviction notices to state the specific legal basis for the eviction under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1. A notice that does not state a reason, or states a reason not on the statutory list, is facially defective. The type of notice also determines your response timeline. Nonpayment: 3-day notice. Lease violation: 30-day notice with opportunity to cure. Disorderly conduct: 3-day notice without cure option.
File an Answer in the Special Civil Part
New Jersey eviction cases (Landlord-Tenant actions) are filed in the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court. In Camden County, this is located at 101 South 5th Street, Camden, NJ 08103. You must file a written answer before your hearing date. The answer preserves your defenses — failing to file an answer does not prevent you from appearing, but it is always better to file.
Request Mediation Through NJCTS
The New Jersey Courts offer a free Tenancy Mediation Program through the New Jersey Courts Tenancy Service (NJCTS). A mediator can help you and your landlord reach a payment arrangement or settlement before the hearing. Mediation is voluntary, but it often resolves cases favorably for both sides without a court judgment on your record.
Appear at the Hearing — Every Time
Failure to appear results in a default judgment against you. The hearing will be short — judges in Special Civil Part handle many cases per session. Present your defenses clearly and specifically. Cite the statute number when possible. Bring copies of every document you intend to show the judge; never hand over originals.
Apply for the Right to Cure (If Nonpayment)
New Jersey allows tenants to "cure" nonpayment of rent by paying all rent owed through the day of trial, plus court costs. This right can be exercised once per year. Bringing a money order for the full amount to your hearing — and being prepared to pay immediately — can result in case dismissal even after a judgment has been entered.
Understand Your Appeal Rights
If the Special Civil Part rules against you, you may appeal to the Appellate Division. The appeal must be filed within 45 days of the judgment. An appeal does not automatically stay the eviction — you must apply for a stay and may need to continue paying rent into escrow. Contact Legal Services of New Jersey (1-888-576-5529) immediately after a judgment if you plan to appeal.
Camden County Court and Legal Aid Contacts
Camden County Superior Court — Special Civil Part
101 South 5th Street Camden, NJ 08103 (856) 379-2200
Camden County Legal Aid
745 Market Street, Suite 103 Camden, NJ 08102 (856) 964-2010
Legal Services of New Jersey
Statewide: 1-888-576-5529 Free civil legal aid for low-income residents. Income eligibility required.
NJ Courts Tenancy Mediation
Free mediation available through the NJ Courts before your hearing date. Request at the Special Civil Part clerk's office.
Camden County Specific
NJ Camden County Eviction Answer
Jurisdiction-correct eviction defense documents for Camden County Housing Court. Includes answer, affirmative defenses under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1, and filing instructions.
Get the Documents — $199Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Jurist-Diction is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation. For legal assistance in Camden County, contact Camden County Legal Aid — 856-964-2010 or LSNJ — 1-888-576-5529.