Passaic County landlord tenant court is where eviction cases against renters in Passaic County, New Jersey, are heard. If you got court papers, the one date you must not miss is your trial date, because not showing up at Passaic County landlord tenant court can lead to a judgment against you.
Passaic County Landlord Tenant Court: Location, Hours, and Case Lookup
Passaic County landlord tenant court is part of the Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part. Eviction cases in the county are handled here. The office is in the Passaic County New Courthouse in downtown Paterson. The details below come from the official NJ Courts directory of Special Civil Part offices.
Your court papers should show a docket number that starts with “LT.” Write it down and keep it with you. When you call Passaic County landlord tenant court, give the clerk that number. The clerk can then confirm your trial date and tell you whether anything new was filed. Office hours are not listed in the directory, so confirm them when you call.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part, Passaic County (landlord-tenant cases) |
| Address | Passaic County New Courthouse, 77 Hamilton Street, Floor 1, Paterson, NJ 07505 |
| Phone | 973-653-2910 ext. 24240 |
| Hours | Not listed in the official directory. Call the office to confirm. |
| Case lookup | Call the office with your LT docket number. It is printed on your summons. |
| Forms and guides | NJ Courts Landlord/Tenant self-help page |
Your Deadlines After You Are Served
New Jersey eviction cases move fast. In most cases, you do not have to file a written answer. However, you must be in court on the trial date printed on your summons. That date is your main deadline. Put it on your phone and on your fridge today.
If you miss your date at Passaic County landlord tenant court, the judge can enter a “default.” That means the case goes forward without your side being heard. As a result, your landlord can get a judgment for possession, which is a court order giving the landlord the right to take the unit back. If you miss your date by accident, call the clerk right away. You may be able to ask the court to undo the default.
After a judgment, a Special Civil Part court officer serves a paper called a warrant of removal. Your landlord is not allowed to serve it. Staff at Passaic County landlord tenant court can tell you where your case stands at each step.
What Happens on Your Court Date at Passaic County Landlord Tenant Court
Arrive early. Leave time for security screening at the courthouse entrance. Then go to Floor 1 and check in for your case at Passaic County landlord tenant court. Bring your summons, rent receipts, bank records, photos of repair problems, and any texts or letters from your landlord.
If your case has not settled before trial, the court typically holds a settlement conference that same day. There, you and your landlord try to reach an agreement. For example, you might agree on a payment plan or a move-out date. Read any agreement slowly before you sign it. Only agree to terms you can really meet. Missing a payment in a settlement can lead to a fast eviction.
If you do not agree, a judge will hear the case at Passaic County landlord tenant court. The judge will either grant or deny a judgment for possession. If you lose, you can ask the judge for more time to move. You may also be able to appeal. Appeal deadlines are strict, so check them with the court or a lawyer right away.
Free Help in This Courthouse
You do not have to face this alone. The NJ Courts website has free landlord-tenant guides and forms for people without a lawyer. Staff at Passaic County landlord tenant court can explain court steps and forms. However, they cannot give legal advice or tell you what to say.
For legal advice, contact a local legal-aid office or a tenant attorney as soon as you are served. In most cases, legal aid is free for renters who qualify by income. A lawyer can spot defenses you might miss, such as bad repairs, wrong rent amounts, or notice problems. If your trial date is close, tell them that first.
New Jersey courts provide interpreters at no cost for court proceedings. If you need one, call Passaic County landlord tenant court before your date and ask. You can also ask for disability accommodations. Ask early so the court has time to arrange them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my case at Passaic County landlord tenant court?
Find the LT docket number on your summons. Then call 973-653-2910 ext. 24240 and ask the clerk for your case status and trial date. Keep a note of who you spoke with and when.
Can my landlord change the locks after winning?
No. In New Jersey, only a court officer can carry out a warrant of removal. If your landlord locks you out or shuts off your utilities without a court officer, call the court and a legal-aid office right away.
What if I can’t make my court date?
Call Passaic County landlord tenant court before your date and explain why. Do not assume your date will be moved. Ask what you need to do, and get legal help if you can.
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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- Tenant Rights Legal Glossary
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.