The ocean county landlord tenant court is the part of New Jersey’s Superior Court that hears eviction cases for renters in Ocean County. The one deadline you must not miss is the trial date on your summons. If you do not show up at ocean county landlord tenant court on that date, the landlord can win without you.
Ocean County Landlord Tenant Court: Location, Hours, and Case Lookup
Eviction cases in Ocean County go to the Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part. The ocean county landlord tenant court office is in Toms River. It handles filings, scheduling, and questions about landlord-tenant cases. The details below come from the official NJ Courts Directory of Special Civil Part Offices, checked September 28, 2026.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part, Ocean County (landlord-tenant cases) |
| Street address | 118 Washington Street, Toms River, NJ 08754 |
| Mailing address | PO Box 2191, Toms River, NJ 08754 |
| Phone | 732-504-0700 ext. 64340 |
| Office hours | Not listed in our verified source. Call the office to confirm before you go. |
| Case lookup | Call the office with your docket number. It is printed on your summons and complaint. |
| Forms and guides | NJ Courts Landlord-Tenant Self-Help page |
Your docket number is the key to finding your case. It usually starts with “LT” and appears near the top of your court papers. When you call the ocean county landlord tenant court, have that number ready. Ask three things: your trial date, the time, and whether your hearing is in person or remote.
However, do not rely only on a phone call. Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date. As a result, you will have a record if anything goes wrong later.
Your Deadlines After You Are Served
An eviction case starts when you receive a summons and complaint. In most cases, the most important date on it is your trial date. Read your summons closely. It tells you whether anything must be filed ahead of time. The official NJ Courts landlord-tenant self-help page explains your options and forms.
“Default” means the court decides the case without you because you did not appear. For example, if the landlord shows up and you do not, the judge can enter a judgment for possession. That judgment lets the landlord move forward with removing you. As a result, missing your date at ocean county landlord tenant court is the fastest way to lose your home.
Other deadlines can follow a judgment, such as the time before a lockout. Those time limits are set by New Jersey law and court rules. We do not list them here because our verified sources do not state them. Confirm every deadline with the court office or a legal-aid lawyer.
What Happens on Your Court Date at Ocean County Landlord Tenant Court
Arrive early and bring every paper you have. Typically, you check in with court staff first. They will confirm you are present. Bring copies of your lease, rent receipts, bank records, repair requests, photos, and messages with your landlord.
In most cases, New Jersey landlord-tenant courts try to settle cases before trial. Staff may send you and your landlord to talk about an agreement. For example, a deal might give you a payment plan or more time to move. However, read any agreement carefully before signing. Ask to speak with a lawyer first if you do not understand it. A settlement at ocean county landlord tenant court is a binding court order.
If you do not settle, the judge hears the case. Both sides can tell their story and show evidence. Afterward, the judge decides whether to enter a judgment for possession. If you lose, you may be able to ask for more time or appeal. Time limits apply to both. Ask the ocean county landlord tenant court clerk or a legal-aid lawyer about them right away.
Free Help in This Courthouse
You do not have to face this alone. The NJ Courts self-help page offers free forms, guides, and plain-English explanations. Start there before your court date. Then call a local legal-aid office. Many tenants in New Jersey can get free legal help if their income qualifies.
On your court date, ask staff at ocean county landlord tenant court whether a free lawyer or legal-aid desk is on site that day. Programs change over time, so asking is the only way to know. Typically, it helps to ask the moment you check in.
If English is not your first language, ask for an interpreter. You can also ask for a disability accommodation. Make these requests when you call the ocean county landlord tenant court office. That way, help can be arranged before your hearing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my case at ocean county landlord tenant court?
Find the docket number on your summons. Then call 732-504-0700 ext. 64340 and ask for your case status and trial date. Keep notes of every call.
What if I cannot pay all the rent I owe?
You may still be able to reach a settlement, such as a payment plan. Bring proof of any payments and income. A legal-aid lawyer can tell you what options fit your situation.
Can I be locked out the same day I lose at ocean county landlord tenant court?
A judgment alone does not remove you. Other legal steps must happen first. The exact timeline must be confirmed with the court office or a tenant attorney.
Protect your stuff while you sort this out
A landlord’s insurance does not cover your belongings — renters insurance does, often for a few dollars a month. Compare options before your next move.
Find Your State’s Exact Rules
Notice periods, deposit caps, and the eviction timeline all change from state to state. Pick your state to see the exact days, dollar limits, and steps that apply where you live.
See Tenant Rights in All 50 States →
Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
New Jersey Renter Guides
- New Jersey Eviction Process
- New Jersey Tenant Rights
- New Jersey Security Deposit Law
- New Jersey Rent Increase Laws
- New Jersey Repairs and Habitability
- Breaking a Lease in New Jersey
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Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.