Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in New Jersey

tenant landlord

My tenants are will be leaving at the end of the month. When they first moved in they did not pay all of the rent, which was for 1/2 of the month. They also were late paying rent and still owe me late fees. Can I charge them 240.00 late fees for an amount owed of 150.00 if it wasn't paid until the following month? I never applied their interest to their rent, is there a law that says I have to give them their interest off of their rent the first of the year? What is considered late when paying rent, I never get paid before the 5th. My lease says I can charge $8 per day late fees after the 5th day. She didn't pay her Utility bill and I gave her money from her security deposit which she hasn't replaced yet. They have caused a lot of damage to my newly remodeled home also. Can I charge for cleaning?? The kitchen has grease all over walls ceiling and cabinets. The new stove is so dirty it will not come clean. Can I replace the stove? The dog ruined the carpets, can I make them pay for carpets? Please let me know what your fees are for a letter and for representation. I video taped the home the day before they moved in. How do I collect if they don't pay rent for this month.


Asked on 12/02/07, 9:25 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
David Heron David C. Heron, Esq., LLC

Re: tenant landlord

First off the answers to a lot of your questions depend on what is in the lease - I would have to see a copy of the lease to give you accurate answers.

In addition you do not say how many units are in your building - this will also affect which section of landlord tenant law applies.

Generally however, you can collect late fees that are reasonable but they must be noted in the lease as "additional rent"

Generally you should do a walk through before the tenant leaves so you can explain what you are deducting from their security deposit.

As regards the carpet - does the lease state that pets are allowed? Do you require new carpets or just cleaning?

Also you have to think about how much do they owe you in total? Sometimes it will cost more to hire an attorney than you will obtain if you win your case - then you also have to collect the judgment.

Give my office a call if you would like to discuss the case - you can always fax me a copy of the lease first so I can review it.

This post is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client

relationship. It is a comment on the legal question posed by the

poster and should not be relied upon in any way. All readers are

advised to consult an attorney to address their specific legal

concerns. Additional facts could affect the answer given.

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Answered on 12/02/07, 11:41 am


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