Legal Question in Real Estate Law in New Jersey

Early termination of lease by landlord

WE were just advised by our landlord that we have to vacate our house by 01-01-00.The reason is that the town doesn't allow him to rent this house as a residence because it is zoned "commercial".

Our lease is not up until May 2000 (written lease).

We would like to know if the landlord may be held responsible for any of our moving costs, i.e. realtor, movers, etc.

Since we are being forced to move and it is not because of something we have done, are there any laws that protect us?

Yours Truly,


Asked on 10/23/99, 5:01 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Dale Lundquist (Solo)

Re: Early termination of lease by landlord

Your landlord signed a legally binding contract with you and it was his job to know about the zoning. I wouldn't move unless I had proof that the town had ordered it. Even then, this would be a breach of your lease by the landlord that would make him liable for *ALL* expenses related to your move and even an increase in rent for similar accommodations. I would refuse to move unless he paid you in advance for these expenses (or if a Court orders you to do so in which case you'll have to sue your landlord). He made a mistake here. There's no legal basis for you paying anything. Good luck.

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Answered on 10/27/99, 12:59 pm


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