Legal Question in Civil Litigation in New Jersey
My former roommate moved out of my apartment while I was on vacation at the end of May. The check that she gave me for past due rent and utilities bounced, and now she is ignoring my requests for repayment. I sent her a certified letter requesting payment by July 15th. I received confirmation that she received the letter, and that date has come and gone, so I'd like to sue her for the money owed. I don't have a forwarding address, and she won't return any of my phone calls or emails, but I do know that she now lives in a different state. Is it still possible to sue in small claims court? The amount owed is roughly $1100.
1 Answer from Attorneys
As a genereal rule, you can't sue her in NJ Small Claims court if she resides in another State. However, there is the possibility that a written lease may give you an exception if you both signed it. Look at the choice of venue clause. It may be broad enough to include actions between co-tenants over the lease. /p/ See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm