New Jersey landlord guide — Anti-Eviction Act, Special Civil Part, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst & South Jersey suburban rental market
📍 County Seat: Mount Holly • Burlington City • JB MDL military installation 👥 Pop. ~465,000 — NJ’s largest county by land area — Pine Barrens & suburbs ⚖️ Special Civil Part • 49 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly 🪖 JB MDL • Evesham • Moorestown • Mount Laurel • Medford • Bordentown
Burlington County is New Jersey’s largest county by land area, stretching from the Philadelphia suburbs in the west across the Pine Barrens to the edge of Ocean County in the east. This geographic expanse encompasses an extraordinary range of communities: the historic colonial city of Burlington, the upscale Philadelphia suburbs of Moorestown and Medford, the rapidly growing commercial and residential corridor of Mount Laurel and Evesham Township, the military community surrounding Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (the nation’s only tri-service military installation), working-class communities like Pemberton and Bordentown, and the vast Pine Barrens wilderness in the county’s eastern interior. The county seat is Mount Holly, a small historic borough that houses the county courthouse and government center.
Burlington County’s rental market is defined by three primary forces: the Philadelphia suburban spillover market in western Burlington (Moorestown, Mount Laurel, Evesham, Marlton), the military community market surrounding JB MDL in the county’s center, and the more affordable working-class and rural markets in the eastern and southern portions of the county. No Burlington County municipality has local rent control. The Anti-Eviction Act applies countywide. LLC and corporate landlords must retain NJ counsel for all Special Civil Part proceedings. The mandatory landlord registration requirement is enforced in every municipality, and failure to register remains a complete defense to eviction.
📊 Quick Stats
County Seat
Mount Holly — Burlington County government; Special Civil Part; historic borough
Major Communities
Evesham (Marlton), Mount Laurel, Moorestown, Medford, Bordentown, Burlington City, Pemberton, Lumberton, Delran, Cinnaminson, Hainesport
Population
~465,000 (2023) — NJ’s largest county by land area
Top Employers
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst; Virtua Health; Burlington County government; Amazon (warehouse corridor); Lockheed Martin; Philadelphia commuter economy
Median Rent
~$1,400–$2,200/mo 2BR — Moorestown/Mount Laurel higher; rural eastern areas lower
Rent Control
None — no Burlington County municipality has rent control
LLC/Corp Landlord
Licensed NJ attorney required in ALL Special Civil Part proceedings
30 days standard; 5 days disaster; 15 days domestic violence
Courthouse
49 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly, NJ 08060
Court Phone
(609) 518-2600
Filing Fee
~$50 (1 defendant) + $5/additional + $7 service
Burlington County — Local Rules & New Jersey State Law Highlights
Topic
Rule / Notes
Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1)
Applies to all residential tenancies in Burlington County. No-cause evictions are prohibited. Good cause must be one of 16 enumerated grounds. Burlington County’s Special Civil Part at 49 Rancocas Road in Mount Holly handles a moderate caseload. The court enforces NJ procedural requirements consistently. Straightforward nonpayment cases with proper documentation and registration move efficiently here.
No Local Rent Control
No municipality in Burlington County has a local rent control or stabilization ordinance. Landlords may raise rents to market rates at lease renewal. The Anti-Eviction Act still applies — tenants who refuse reasonable rent increases may only be evicted through the proper notice process; no-cause evictions remain prohibited regardless of the absence of local rent control.
Landlord Registration — CRITICAL
All Burlington County landlords must register with the applicable municipality. Buildings with 3+ units must also register with the NJ DCA. Failure to register is a complete defense to eviction. Burlington County’s many municipalities each maintain separate registration systems. Verify registration for each property individually before filing any eviction action.
Corporate/LLC Attorney Requirement
Business entity landlords must be represented by a licensed NJ attorney in all Special Civil Part proceedings (NJ Court Rule 6:10). Non-attorney appearances result in immediate dismissal. Retain NJ counsel before filing any eviction involving an LLC or corporate landlord.
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst — Military Tenants
JB MDL is the nation’s only tri-service military installation (Air Force, Army, Navy) and Burlington County’s largest employer. Military service members and their families rent throughout the surrounding communities in Wrightstown, Pemberton, Hainesport, and Browns Mills. Key federal law: The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides significant tenant protections for active duty military personnel including the right to terminate a lease with 30 days’ notice upon deployment orders or PCS (Permanent Change of Station) orders. Landlords cannot charge early termination penalties to SCRA-qualifying servicemembers. Violating SCRA is a federal offense. Understand SCRA protections thoroughly before entering into any lease with active duty military personnel.
The SCRA applies to active duty U.S. military members renting near JB MDL and throughout Burlington County. Key protections: (1) Service members receiving deployment or PCS orders may terminate any residential lease by delivering written notice + copy of orders; the termination is effective 30 days after the next rent due date; (2) Landlords cannot charge early termination fees or penalties for SCRA terminations; (3) SCRA also limits evictions of servicemembers on active duty for nonpayment in certain circumstances; (4) Courts must stay eviction proceedings for active duty servicemembers under specific conditions. Verify SCRA applicability before filing any eviction action against a military tenant.
Mount Laurel & Evesham — Philadelphia Suburban Market
Mount Laurel and Evesham Township (Marlton) are Burlington County’s largest and most commercially developed communities, anchored by major retail corridors, corporate offices, and access to the NJ Turnpike and I-295 connecting to Philadelphia. These communities attract professional Philadelphia commuters, healthcare workers from Virtua Health system, and corporate employees from the Route 38/73 corridor. No rent control. Screen for verified professional or healthcare employment. These are stable suburban markets with consistent demand and low eviction rates.
Moorestown — Affluent Suburb
Moorestown is Burlington County’s most affluent community and one of New Jersey’s most consistently top-ranked towns for quality of life. No rent control. The rental market is small but premium — professional families and corporate relocations. Screen for verified high income and strong rental history. Very low eviction rates; long-tenured tenants.
Two-Notice System
For most lease violation grounds, NJ law requires a Notice to Cease followed by a Notice to Quit. Both must specifically describe the violation. Nonpayment of rent requires no pre-filing notice. Defective notices result in dismissal without prejudice in Burlington County’s court.
Security Deposit Requirements
Maximum 1.5 months’ rent. Separate interest-bearing NJ account required. Written notice of account details within 30 days. Annual interest paid or credited to tenant. Return within 30 days with itemized statement. Wrongful withholding: double damages + attorney’s fees.
Source of Income Protection
N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 prohibits refusal to rent based on lawful income source including Section 8/HCV, public assistance, Social Security, and veterans benefits. Burlington County Housing Authority administers HCV programs. Military housing allowances (BAH) are a lawful income source — cannot be refused. Civil penalties up to $10,000 plus compensatory damages and attorney’s fees for violations.
Burlington County Special Civil Part
Address: 49 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly, NJ 08060 Phone: (609) 518-2600 Filing Fee: ~$50 (1 defendant) + $5/additional + $7 service Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Burlington County’s Special Civil Part handles a moderate landlord-tenant caseload. The court is accessible and efficient for properly documented cases. Legal Services of New Jersey serves qualifying Burlington County tenants.
Tenant Can Cure?Yes - tenant can pay all rent due plus costs at any time before lockout to dismiss case (NJSA §2A:42-9). After warrant posted: 3 days to pay rent alone; after 4+ days: rent plus landlord costs.
Days to Hearing10-30 days
Days to Writ3-7 days
Total Estimated Timeline45-90 days
Total Estimated Cost$200-$600
⚠️ Watch Out
CRITICAL: No notice required for nonpayment - landlord can file immediately if rent is even one day late (unless landlord has habitually accepted late rent, then 30-day Notice to Pay or Quit required). Anti-Eviction Act requires just cause for ALL evictions - cannot evict without statutory grounds even at lease end. Tenant can pay and stay up until lockout. Business entities must be represented by attorney.
Serve the required notice based on the eviction reason (nonpayment or lease violation).
Wait for the notice period to expire. If tenant cures the issue (where allowed), the process stops.
File an eviction case with the Superior Court - Special Civil Part (Landlord/Tenant Section). Pay the filing fee (~$50-75).
Tenant is served with a summons and has the opportunity to respond.
Attend the court hearing and present your case.
If you prevail, obtain a writ of possession from the court.
Law enforcement executes the writ and removes the tenant if necessary.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This page provides general information about New Jersey eviction laws and does not constitute legal advice.
Eviction procedures can vary by county and may change over time. Local jurisdictions may have additional requirements or tenant protections.
For specific legal guidance, consult a qualified New Jersey attorney or local legal aid organization.
🔍 Reduce Your Risk Before Signing a Lease:
New Jersey landlords who screen tenants carefully before signing a lease significantly
reduce their risk of ending up in eviction court. Understanding
tenant screening in New Jersey —
including background checks, credit history, income verification, and rental references — is one of the most
cost-effective steps you can take to protect your rental property. Before you ever need New Jersey's
eviction process, proper tenant screening can help
you identify red flags early and avoid problem tenancies altogether.
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⚠️ Disclaimer: These calculations are estimates based on state statutes and typical court timelines. Actual results vary by county, court backlog, and case specifics. Always verify current requirements with your local courthouse. This is not legal advice.
Underground Landlord
🏘️ Communities & Screening Tips
JB MDL corridor (Wrightstown, Browns Mills, Hainesport): Military communities surrounding Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst attract active duty and veteran tenants. Military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) is a protected income source under NJ law. Understand SCRA protections before signing leases with active duty personnel — deployment and PCS orders give servicemembers the right to terminate with 30 days’ notice. Military tenants are generally reliable payers but turnover is driven by duty station changes rather than financial issues.
Mount Laurel & Evesham/Marlton (Philadelphia suburbs; corporate): Burlington County’s most active rental markets. Philadelphia commuters, Virtua Health workers, and Route 38/73 corridor corporate employees. No rent control. Screen for verified professional employment. Consistent demand; stable tenants; low eviction rates. Well-maintained apartments lease quickly in these townships.
Moorestown (affluent; premium market): Burlington County’s most prestigious community. Small rental market but premium rents. Screen for verified high income. Very low vacancy and eviction rates. Corporate relocation and professional families are the primary tenant demographic.
Bordentown & Burlington City (historic towns; working class): These historic Delaware River communities have working-class rental markets. Affordable rents; stable community-rooted tenant base. No rent control. Screen for verified local employment. Bordentown has NJ Transit River Line light rail access to Trenton.
Pemberton & rural eastern Burlington (Pine Barrens fringe; affordable): Burlington County’s eastern and rural communities offer the most affordable rents in the county. Working families and blue-collar workers. No rent control. Screen for stable local employment. Lower rents but also lower demand than the western suburban corridor.
Background checks, eviction history, credit reports — get the full picture before handing over the keys.
Burlington County New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law: JB MDL, the Philadelphia Suburbs, and Renting in NJ’s Largest County
Burlington County’s landlord market has a characteristic that no other New Jersey county shares in quite the same way: a significant portion of its rental market is occupied by active duty military personnel and their families stationed at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. JB MDL is the only installation in the United States that is jointly operated by three military branches — the Air Force, Army, and Navy — and its combined personnel and civilian workforce make it Burlington County’s single largest employer. For landlords with properties near the base in Wrightstown, Browns Mills, Hainesport, and surrounding communities, understanding the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act is not optional background knowledge. It is a fundamental operating requirement.
The SCRA’s most practically significant provision for Burlington County landlords is the lease termination right. An active duty servicemember who receives deployment orders or a Permanent Change of Station (PCS) order may terminate any residential lease by delivering written notice of termination plus a copy of the orders to the landlord. The termination is effective 30 days after the next rent payment date following delivery of notice. The landlord cannot charge early termination penalties, lease break fees, or any other charges related to the SCRA termination. Violating this provision is a federal offense. Burlington County landlords who add lease clauses purporting to waive SCRA protections or charge early termination fees against military tenants are exposed to federal civil and criminal liability.
Military BAH and Source of Income Protections
Military tenants receive a Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) that is specifically calibrated to local rental market rates and is updated annually. BAH is a lawful income source under New Jersey’s source-of-income protection statute (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1), and landlords cannot refuse to rent to military personnel because their rent payment comes from BAH rather than civilian employment wages. In practice, BAH is one of the most reliable rent payment mechanisms available — it is a federal government payment deposited directly to the servicemember on a predictable schedule, and it is calculated to cover local market rents. Military tenants who pay rent from BAH are among the most financially reliable in Burlington County’s rental market.
The anti-discrimination protection also means Burlington County landlords cannot screen out veterans receiving VA benefits, GI Bill education benefits, or any other veteran-related income. Veterans are a significant portion of Burlington County’s civilian population given the county’s military heritage, and their federal benefits are protected income sources that must be treated the same as any other lawful income in the screening process.
The Philadelphia Suburban Market: Mount Laurel and Evesham
Burlington County’s western corridor — Mount Laurel, Evesham Township, and the neighboring communities along Routes 38, 70, and 73 — functions as part of the greater Philadelphia suburban rental market. These communities offer Philadelphia commuters more affordable housing than Camden County’s closer-in suburbs while still providing convenient access via I-295 and the NJ Turnpike. Virtua Health system, with major facilities in Mount Holly and Voorhees, is one of the region’s largest healthcare employers and contributes a significant healthcare worker tenant segment to the Burlington County market.
This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Burlington County are filed at Burlington County Superior Court — Special Civil Part, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060 — (609) 518-2600. New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) prohibits no-cause evictions. LLC and corporate landlords must be represented by a licensed NJ attorney (NJ Court Rule 6:10). Failure to register under the Landlord Registration Act is a complete defense to eviction. No Burlington County municipality has local rent control. The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides significant additional protections for active duty military tenants near JB MDL. Military BAH and all other lawful income sources are protected under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1. Flood risk disclosure required for FEMA flood zone properties (N.J.S.A. 46:8-50, eff. March 2024). New mandatory court forms required as of September 2025. Consult a licensed New Jersey attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. All residential evictions in Burlington County are filed at Burlington County Superior Court — Special Civil Part, 49 Rancocas Road, Mount Holly, NJ 08060 — (609) 518-2600. New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act prohibits no-cause evictions. LLC and corporate landlords must be represented by a licensed NJ attorney (NJ Court Rule 6:10). Failure to register under the Landlord Registration Act is a complete defense to eviction. No Burlington County municipality has local rent control. The federal SCRA provides significant additional protections for active duty military tenants. Military BAH and all lawful income sources are protected under N.J.S.A. 10:5-1. Flood risk disclosure required for FEMA flood zone properties (N.J.S.A. 46:8-50, eff. March 2024). New mandatory court forms required as of September 2025. Consult a licensed New Jersey attorney for specific guidance. Last updated: March 2026.
