Have any of you had luck with your cases being heard in court in New Jersey [Hudson County]? I have a nonpaying tenant since September and I was giving her a chance to cough up but she’s been really difficult to deal with. She doesn’t receive the call doesn’t come to the door when we go in, I will start the election process but wondering how long it is till we get heard..
Good news, nonpayment is the one way to always successfully evict! At least was pre-covid. The court doesn't entertain stories of vermin or maintenance if the tenants don't have the money there on the day. No payment in full means judgement for the landlord. Thankfully it's been a while since I was in housing court, and I've only been twice, but I recall it was less than 6 weeks total.
Of course, 'winning' is only half the battle, since the tenant now has an eviction on their record and won't get an apartment from any responsible landlord. I was basically blackmailed into rescinding the eviction and saying it was a misunderstanding in order to actually get rid of nightmare tenants, the kind that you worry will burn the place down.
Good Luck... The system is much more complicated than it was pre-covid. More complicated means it takes a while now. You should hire an attorney and start the process ASAP.