N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.13
Findings, declarations
Operative Text
1. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Despite the current statutory protections available to a victim of domestic violence in New Jersey, including but not limited to the issuance of temporary or permanent restraining orders, many victims of domestic violence remain vulnerable to such violence, even after a restraining order has been issued. b. In many instances, the perpetrator and victim of domestic violence are co-tenants in a rental dwelling unit. In such cases, it may be unclear whether a tenant-victim is authorized to change the locks on a rental dwelling unit. However, if a domestic violence perpetrator maintains a key to an unchanged lock on a rental dwelling unit, the tenant-perpetrator may easily gain access to the tenant-victim, which may then place the tenant-victim in danger of serious bodily harm or even death. c. In order to prevent additional violence and harm to a victim of domestic violence, it is necessary for the Legislature to clarify that a court may authorize a victim of domestic violence to change the locks on a rental dwelling unit upon providing appropriate notice to the landlord as part of a temporary or permanent restraining order issued pursuant to the "Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-17 et seq.). L.2023, c.174, s.1.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.13 sets out the Legislature's findings and declarations underlying New Jersey's law allowing courts to authorize domestic violence victims to change locks on rental dwelling units. The provision recognizes that when a perpetrator and victim share a rental unit as co-tenants, an unchanged lock can give the perpetrator continued access and put the victim at serious risk. To address this gap, the Legislature clarified that a court may include lock-change authorization in a temporary or permanent restraining order issued under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991, provided appropriate notice is given to the landlord.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.13 reflects the Legislature's recognition that landlords may receive court-ordered notice when a tenant-victim is authorized to change locks on a rental unit as part of a restraining order. Compliant property owners and managers generally maintain familiarity with this statutory framework so they can respond appropriately when such court-ordered notices arrive. Understanding the legislative intent behind this provision helps operators recognize that lock-change authorizations in domestic violence situations arise from a formal judicial process, not unilateral tenant action.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.13 establishes the legislative basis for a domestic violence victim's right to seek court authorization to change locks on a shared rental unit, with appropriate notice to the landlord. Tenants who are victims of domestic violence and share a unit with a perpetrator may find that a temporary or permanent restraining order issued under the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991 can include this lock-change authorization. Those seeking to understand how this provision applies to their circumstances may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization, a legal aid office, or a domestic violence advocacy group for general information about available protections.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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