Housing · Tenant repairs and lockouts
In New Jersey, a landlord must keep a rental fit to live in. When serious repairs go undone, a tenant may have options, including asking for a rent reduction (abatement). Withholding rent on your own is risky, so get advice before you do it.
A landlord generally cannot lock you out, change the locks, or remove your things without a court order. An illegal lockout can be challenged quickly in the Special Civil Part.
I take all matters based on my case load and whether the case resonates with me. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. That relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement.
If you are locked out right now and in danger or have nowhere to go, call 911 or your local police first.
If your household income may qualify you for free help, I will refer you first to Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ-LAW hotline, 1-888-576-5529).
Published fees
Each fee below is my attorney fee for the scope listed, and it binds for that scope. Court filing fees, service of process, court-officer fees, and other third-party costs are extra. They are paid to the court or the provider, not to me. If your matter would entail more than a flat fee, I tell you in writing before any added work, and nothing changes unless you agree.
$150flat
One letter to your landlord demanding repairs or a rent reduction for conditions that were not fixed.
Included
Not included
$650flat
If you were locked out without a court order, I prepare the papers to ask the court to put you back in, and walk you through filing them yourself.
Included
Not included
Beyond the flat fee
Hearings are hourly at $275/hour through December 8, 2026, then $350/hour, with a written retainer. Time is billed in tenths of an hour.
On the drafting-only fees, you remain the self-represented (pro se) party. You file the papers and appear yourself unless we sign a separate written retainer for an appearance.
Published discounts apply to these attorney fees, not to court or third-party costs.
A free 30-minute phone consultation is available by appointment at 732-606-4516. A call does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
Writing this office, filling out a form, sending documents, or meeting with me does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not mean I have accepted your matter. A meeting alone does not establish an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement. Until then, do not send confidential information you need protected. This website is not the contract.
Attorney Advertising
Attorney Advertising. This is a message box, not a live chat. It sends your note to my office email through a third-party form service, and I answer by email. Sending a message does not create an attorney-client relationship and does not mean I have accepted your matter. That relationship begins only after I have accepted the case and we have both signed a written retainer agreement. Until then, do not send confidential information you need protected. Not for emergencies: if you are in danger, call 911.