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Which landlord notice do I need? (NY & NJ)
Pick your state and what's going on. Each answer links to a free form that fills in the dates for you.
Not sure which state's rules apply? Use the state where the rental property is, not where you live.
New York
| What's going on | Notice to use | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Rent hasn't been received within 5 days of the due date | 5-Day Late Rent Notice (certified mail) | RPL § 235-e(d) |
| Rent is still unpaid and you may go to court | 14-Day Rent Demand | RPAPL § 711(2) |
| The tenant is breaking a lease rule (noise, pets, subletting…) | Notice to Cure | Your lease; at least 10 days if Good Cause covered |
| You don't want to renew, or want to end a month-to-month | Notice of Non-Renewal / Termination | RPL § 226-c; NYC § 232-a |
| You want to raise the rent 5% or more at renewal | Rent Increase Notice | RPL § 226-c |
| A tenant moved out and you're keeping some of the deposit | Itemized deposit statement guide | GOL § 7-108 (14 days) |
Rent demands, non-renewals and increases of 5% or more also need the Good Cause Eviction notice (RPL § 231-c). Our New York forms include it. Rent-stabilized or rent-controlled? These forms aren't for you; talk to an attorney.
New Jersey
| What's going on | Notice to use | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Rent is late and you want to remind the tenant in writing | Late Rent Notice (courtesy) | Not required before a nonpayment filing |
| The tenant keeps paying late, breaks rules, or breaks the lease | Notice to Cease (the warning comes first) | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 |
| The conduct continued after a Notice to Cease, or another eviction ground applies | Notice to Quit and Demand for Possession | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2 |
| You want to raise the rent at the end of the term | Rent Increase Notice (with Notice to Quit) | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f); local rent control |
| A tenant moved out and you're keeping some of the deposit | New Jersey has its own deposit rules; check the current law | Check the current law |
In New Jersey, most residential tenants can only be removed for one of the Anti-Eviction Act's listed grounds, so "the lease ended" usually isn't enough by itself. In Jersey City and other rent-control towns, check local rules before raising rent.
Rent is late? See the whole timeline
What to send on which day, and what comes after, in both states: Late rent timeline for NY & NJ landlords.
Frequently asked questions
What notice does a landlord send first when rent is late in New York?
Once rent hasn't been received within five days of the due date, New York requires a written notice to the tenant by certified mail (RPL § 235-e(d)). Before a nonpayment case, the landlord must also serve a written 14-day rent demand (RPAPL § 711(2)).
Do I need a notice before filing for nonpayment in New Jersey?
For nonpayment of rent, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2 doesn't require a notice to quit before filing, though NJ DCA notes that federally subsidized housing requires a 14-day notice. Many landlords still send a courtesy late-rent letter first.
What is the difference between a Notice to Cease and a Notice to Quit in NJ?
A Notice to Cease is the warning: stop the conduct (for example, breaking lease rules or habitually paying late). If it continues, a Notice to Quit ends the tenancy for that Anti-Eviction Act ground, with a notice period that depends on the ground (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2).
Can I end a lease in New Jersey just because it expired?
For most residential tenants, no. The Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) allows removal only for its listed good-cause grounds, and the end of a lease is generally not one of them. Some buildings are exempt; check the current law or ask an attorney.
Can I use these notices for a rent-stabilized apartment?
No. Rent-stabilized and rent-controlled units in New York have their own rules and forms. Talk to an attorney or check with NY HCR.