N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.6
Requirements for termination of lease
Operative Text
3. The tenant may terminate any lease of a residential property that has been leased and used by the tenant solely for the purpose of providing a dwelling place for the tenant, or for the tenant's family, prior to the expiration date thereof, if the tenant fulfills all requirements and procedures as established by P.L.2008, c.111 (C.46:8-9.4 et al.) and provides the landlord with: a. written notice that the tenant or a child of the tenant faces an imminent threat of serious physical harm from another named person if the tenant remains on the leased premises; and b. any of the following: (1) a certified copy of a permanent restraining order issued by a court pursuant to section 13 of "The Prevention of Domestic Violence Act of 1991," P.L.1991, c.261 (C.2C:25-29), and protecting the tenant from the person named in the written notice; (2) a certified copy of a permanent restraining order from another jurisdiction, issued pursuant to the jurisdiction's laws concerning domestic violence, and protecting the tenant from the person named in the written notice; (3) a law enforcement agency record documenting the domestic violence, or certifying that the tenant or a child of the tenant is a victim of domestic violence; (4) medical documentation of the domestic violence provided by a health care provider; (5) certification, provided by a certified Domestic Violence Specialist, or the director of a designated domestic violence agency, that the tenant or a child of the tenant is a victim of domestic violence; or (6) other documentation or certification, provided by a licensed social worker, that the tenant or a child of the tenant is a victim of domestic violence. L.2008, c.111, s.3.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.6, a residential tenant in New Jersey may end a lease before its expiration date when the tenant or a child of the tenant faces an imminent threat of serious physical harm from a named individual. To exercise this right, the tenant must follow the procedures established under P.L.2008, c.111, provide the landlord with written notice of the threat, and supply one of several recognized forms of documentation—such as a permanent restraining order, a law enforcement record, medical documentation, or certification from a qualified domestic violence professional. The provision applies only to residential leases used solely as a dwelling for the tenant or the tenant's family.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to N.J.S.A. 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-9.6 should be aware that a qualifying tenant may lawfully terminate a residential lease early without the landlord's consent when the statutory conditions are met. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the documentation types the law recognizes—including restraining orders, law enforcement records, and certifications from domestic violence specialists—so they can process such terminations appropriately when the required written notice and supporting materials are received. Maintaining clear internal procedures for handling these requests helps ensure that the early-termination process under P.L.2008, c.111 is handled consistently and in accordance with the statute.
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. § 46:8-9.6 gives residential tenants who face an imminent threat of serious physical harm from a named person the right to break a lease early without waiting for its expiration date. To exercise this right, a tenant must provide the landlord with written notice of the threat and one of the qualifying documents listed in the statute, such as a permanent restraining order, a law enforcement agency record, medical documentation, or a certification from a licensed social worker or domestic violence specialist. Tenants who believe this provision applies to their situation may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization, a legal aid office, or a certified Domestic Violence Specialist for general information about the required procedures under P.L.2008, c.111.
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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