Quote of the Day: They don't have to leave

by: Jason Springer

Tue Dec 23, 2008 at 07:30:10 PM EST

At a press conference in Newark, New Jersey Public Advocate Ron Chen said landlords who force tenants out without a legal eviction order face both civil and criminal charges. Under state law, a landlord who does that can be arrested as disorderly person.

"This is a tragedy," Chen said. "Folks don't know it, but they don't have to leave."

State Banking and Insurance Commissioner Steven Goldman said tenants are being forced out because many lawyers, real estate agents, mortgage lenders, police and judges also are unaware of the 2006 law.

Goldman's office is sending letters out to real estate agents to let them know that they can lose their licenses and face individual fines up to $10,000 if they threaten a client with eviction to clear out a property.