Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

I live in NJ and rent a condo. I recently found out that my landlord never got the required township inspection done before I moved in back in August 2014. I've been told that without this inspection my lease is technically illegal and null and void and that I don't owe him any more rent since rent can't be paid on an illegal lease and that since the township can make him vacate the property I'd have to move and the landlord can me made to pay me up to 6x my rent in moving expenses. Is this true and how do I go about pursuing this?


Asked on 6/01/16, 9:09 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Corbett Corbett Law Firm LLC

There is not much truth in what you have been told. The lack of an inspection does not operate to make your lease unlawful or even voidable. If and only if the township requires you to move out because the premises is found to be illegal the landlord can be required pay you 5x the monthly rental. However, none of that grants you relief from payment of rent so long as you occupy the premise.

See also: http://info.corbettlaw.net/lawguru.htm

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Answered on 6/02/16, 3:52 pm


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