New Jersey Lockouts and utility shutoffs
Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in New Jersey?
Banned. Self-help evictions are illegal in New Jersey: a landlord may not padlock, change locks, disconnect utilities or otherwise block entry while the tenant lives there. Only a court officer can remove a tenant, under a warrant for removal.
Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 · last checked 2026-10-23
Same topic in neighboring states
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