All Landlord-Tenant Cases begin with the lease. A commercial or residential lease is a binding contract like any other, and it is the first place to look to determine the rights and responsibilities of the landlord and the tenant. Read your lease carefully, it often holds the answer to the most disputed questions:

• Who is responsible for maintenance and repairs?
• What happens if the refrigerator or stove breaks?
• Who pays for the utilities and/or property taxes?
• Are there penalties or interest for late rent?
• Does the lease automatically renew at the end of the term?
• What happens if one of the parties breaches the lease?

The lease is not the only place to look for important information on your rights as a landlord or tenant—New Jersey law and even local building and zoning codes can be important resources. Key among these is the New Jersey Summary Dispossess and Anti-Eviction Acts.  The New Jersey Summary Dispossess and Anti-Eviction Acts govern everything from security deposits to eviction proceedings; it is especially important for residential landlords and tenants to read the act.

Don’t wait until after a dispute begins to get legal advice. If you see a potential problem on the horizon, or if you just want to know what your rights and responsibilities are, contact The Law Office of Marc P. Feldman now and arrange a consultation or call (973)-267-7555.