Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

tenant won't allow contractor to make repairs

I own an apartment in New Jersey, but reside in SC. The NJ tenant notified me in November 2004 of 5 repairs that he felt were needed, most notably an outside stairwell. I hired my long time contractor to make the repairs. The tenant has made it impossible for the contractor to have access to the property (too early, too late, too inconvenient, won't call him back), BUT at the same time tells me 'heaven help me if someone gets injured on the stairs'.

HOW CAN I GET THE CONTRACTOR ACCESS? He needs to get indoors too.

I am currently trying '1 more time' where I

1) certify mailed tenant of all the attempts that contractor has made, please don't recklessly watch condition he describes as dangerous deteriorate, let repairs be done.

2) lease specifies that tenant is responsible for neglect.


Asked on 7/19/05, 7:36 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Davies The Davies Law Firm, P.A.

Re: tenant won't allow contractor to make repairs

Dear Landlord: you have my sympathy. the laws in New Jersey are now very slanted in favor of tenants, and depending on which city the apartment is in, can be horribly slanted.

You have some options and tactics available to get the work done, but it will take some more info and some work. Let me know if i can assist you, phone is 973-890-0400. do you think you can get a local agent to manage this for you?

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Answered on 7/19/05, 7:54 pm


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