New Jersey Eviction record sealing

Eviction record sealing in New Jersey

New Jersey law makes court records of eviction cases for nonpayment or habitually late rent during the COVID-19 emergency period (Executive Order 103 of 2020, as extended, plus 60 days) confidential and unavailable to the public (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-146). Landlords may not consider those records when screening tenants, screening services may not provide them, and violations carry penalties of at least $1,000 for a first offense and $5,000 for later ones (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-147, -148). Records of other eviction cases are not covered. Statute text: "Any New Jersey public entity that maintains a written or automated record or file of emergency period nonpayment court records shall take appropriate actions to ensure that these records are kept confidential and unavailable to the public."

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:42-146, 2A:42-147, 2A:42-148 (P.L.2021, c.189); N.J.S.A. 52:27D-287.9 · last checked 2026-10-23