How long does an eviction take in New Jersey?
For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026
A typical uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in New Jersey takes about 6 to 10 weeks.
From our New Jersey guide: “A nonpayment case commonly takes six to ten weeks from filing to lockout.”
The New Jersey eviction timeline, step by step
Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.
1Notice for unpaid rent
0 daysFrom serving the notice until you can file.
No notice required
From our guide: “No pre-filing notice is required in conventional private housing.”
2Court case
21 to 42 daysFrom filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.
Trial 21 days after service; judgment same day to 3 weeks later
From our guide: “Rule 6:2-1 sets it 21 days after service of the summons, down from five weeks.” and “Settlement conference and trialsame day, or 1 to 3 weeks later”
3Judgment to possession
8 daysAny waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.
Warrant 3 business days after judgment; lockout 3 more business days
From our guide: “Three business days after judgment you apply for a Warrant of Removal.” and “who then has three more business days before the officer returns to conduct the lockout”
What can slow it down
- Figures are for uncontested nonpayment cases in conventional private housing; subsidized housing and other grounds require additional notice.
- A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
- A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
- Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.
Read the full New Jersey eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.
New Jersey scores 4 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (tenant-leaning).
This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed New Jersey attorney before acting.