All Forum Posts by: Nicholas Jose

Is this allowed in NJ? I still have a lot to learn, but based on @Nicky Faucett's explanation of the NJ Anti-Eviction Act, Code N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(j), must all NJ landlords follow this mandate? Is there some sort of wiggle-room for landlords to impose their own rules when dealing with late rent?

Based on the Truth in Renting document, "A tenant disputing a landlord's right to a key can simply refuse to provide the landlord with one." If a tenant refuses a landlord's right to a key, the landlord does not have his Right of Entry. So before the applicant even signs the lease, I would need his/her consent to have a copy of his/her key to the unit; and if i don't have that consent, can I deny that tenant the unit and pick another applicant who's more compliant?

Re-reading my question again, it does sound a bit confusing. Let me try rephrasing it again:

3. Suppose you've screened an applicant and found him/her to be the perfect tenant. When we're both reviewing the lease with our attorney, one provision allows the landlord to have a copy of the tenant's key. Unfortunately, the applicant does not want me to have access to his/her unit and is not willing to meet me halfway. In this situation, would I be in the position to deny the applicant the rental unit and pick another applicant who's more compliant with this provision?

Good afternoon, BP.

I've read the Right of Entry section in the NJ Truth in Renting pamphlet; however, I have some questions I don't think the document adequately addresses:

1. If an inherited-tenant does not wish to provide the new landlord with a key, the landlord may evict the tenant for not complying with the reasonable lease provision. The landlord then has the burden to prove that his request for a key is not unreasonable. What examples could an "unreasonable request" be? Just emergencies that could result in loss of life/property?
2. If an inherited-tenant does not wish to provide the new landlord with a key, what should the landlord do: begin eviction (and prove his "unreasonable request") or take the case to the Superior Court of NJ?
3. If a prospective tenant passed the screening but refused to give the landlord a key during lease-signing (despite attempts to reach a mutual agreement), can the landlord still reject the applicant and start over?

Good afternoon, BP.

I'm hoping to own my first property by next year, but in the meantime, I'm looking for a professional tax advisor/preparer in the Union, NJ (or in the general Northern Jersey) area.

 Any reference is much appreciated.

But could looking at an applicant's bank statements show you if the person consistently spends more than 2/3 of their income per month?

Good afternoon, BP.

Let's say you want an applicant's monthly income to be at least 3X the monthly rent. A) If the applicant is an employee, would you just subtract the average expenses found on the bank statements from the average income found on the pay stubs? B) If the applicant is self-employed, would you subtract the average expenses found on the bank statement from the average income on the 4506-T?

Thanks for the tips, Chris. I'll make sure the applicant pays for the background/credit check and sends me a scanned copy of his/her govt-issued photo ID before I proceed with the screening. And regarding tax returns and bank statements, I guess the safest course of action would be to follow @John Farady's advice and have the applicant submit their 4506T to the IRS, then wait 3-6 weeks before making a final decision.

@John Farady Okay. Thanks for the help.

Okay. So I have multiple questions from this:
1. Would I give one 4506T form per applicant?

2. Would an applicant need to fill out two 4506T forms if I'm interested in their tax returns from the past 2 years?

3. If there are multiple occupants, would each occupant need to fill out their own 4506T form?