Bergen County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything New Jersey landlords need to file a Landlord–Tenant Complaint in Bergen County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Bergen County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Bergen County Courthouse
- Address: 10 Main St., Hackensack, NJ 07601
- Phone: (201) 221-0700
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Case type: Landlord–Tenant Complaint
⚠️ Bergen County — What Landlords Should Know
Bergen County uses Landlord-Tenant Court. New Jersey requires good cause to evict.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Bergen County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Bergen County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Bergen County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 30-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 30-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per New Jersey law.
File Your Landlord–Tenant Complaint at Bergen County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Bergen County Courthouse (10 Main St., Hackensack, NJ 07601). The filing fee is $50. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Bergen County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Bergen County are typically scheduled 3–6 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The New Jersey Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in New Jersey.
Bergen County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $50 | Paid to Bergen County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $25 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$21–$25 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $750–$3000 | Strongly recommended — strong tenant protections |
Frequently Asked Questions — Bergen County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Bergen County?
The typical Bergen County eviction takes 5–10 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Bergen County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Bergen County?
The court filing fee in Bergen County is $50. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($750–$3000). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $96–$100.
What court handles evictions in Bergen County?
Evictions in Bergen County are filed at the Bergen County Courthouse, located at 10 Main St., Hackensack, NJ 07601. The case type is filed as a Landlord–Tenant Complaint.
Can I file an eviction online in Bergen County?
Bergen County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Bergen County Courthouse.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Bergen County?
New Jersey law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Bergen County has strong tenant protections, making procedural errors costly — an attorney is strongly recommended.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Bergen County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Bergen County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in New Jersey.
See full New Jersey eviction laws and notice requirements.
New Jersey Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in New Jersey.
New Jersey Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Bergen County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Bergen County →Relevant New Jersey Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: N.J.S.A. § 2A:18-61.1
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current New Jersey statutes or a licensed Bergen County attorney.