Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey
(Jersey city NJ) I have a squatter inside my vacant property , he moved in and changed the locks and says a week ago some other person rented the house to him if he fixes the plumbing and heating problems. My question is. Can I just change the locks when he leaves and deny access to my house. The property is not in living conditions. There's no water or heating and my biggest concern is that he will get hurt and I can be responsible and get sued. I called the police and they told me they can't make him leave, to go to court to evict him? I think I should take action and have him go to court instead of me going to court. Please help
2 Answers from Attorneys
You need to file an action for ejectment as quickly as possible. He is a trespasser, this is not a typical eviction because there is no L/T relationship between you and the squatter. If you try a self help eviction you will have potential civil and criminal liability.
Matthew is correct, but go ahead and change the locks and deny him access. Let him make the next move. It will be faster and cheaper for you then filing for ejectment.
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