Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

Illegal Basement Apartment

I have been living in this illegal basement apartment for 17 years. I am moving in September and I told my landlord who owns the house and lives upstairs that I wasn't going to be paying my rent so I could save my money for moving. The landlord told me that if I didn't pay the rent he would put a lock on the door and lock me out. Is this legal


Asked on 6/28/09, 2:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Gleaner Robert A. Gleaner, P.C.

Re: Illegal Basement Apartment

Kind of interesting that you are questioning the legality of him locking you out of an illegal apartment. You are correct that it is illegal to simply lock out a tenant for non-payment of rent. But you are doing something which is against your agreement as well - not paying him the rent. Seems to me that this is what happens when people do not do what they are supposed to do - all around!

Keep in mind that this information is given based on the scanty facts that you have provided. And no one can rely on advice from an attorney who has not been retained. In order to be able to rely upon any advice, you need to meet with and retain an attorney, who will be able to give you advice after a full and comprehensive interview. Before you do anything, you should contact an attorney for a full consultation. Good Luck! Rob Gleaner

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Answered on 6/28/09, 4:40 pm


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