Hudson County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything New Jersey landlords need to file a Landlord–Tenant Complaint in Hudson County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$50
Filing fee
3–6 weeks
Hearing wait
5–10 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

🏛️ Hudson County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Hudson County — What Landlords Should Know

Hudson County follows NJ Good Cause eviction law. Jersey City has its own rent control ordinance.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Hudson County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Hudson County eviction attorney — free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Hudson County

1

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.

2

File Your Landlord–Tenant Complaint at Hudson County Administration Building

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Hudson County Administration Building (595 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306). The filing fee is $50. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Hudson 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.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Hudson 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.

5

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.

Hudson County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $50 Paid to Hudson 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 — Hudson County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Hudson County?

The typical Hudson 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. Hudson County has stronger tenant protections that can extend the timeline.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Hudson County?

The court filing fee in Hudson 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 Hudson County?

Evictions in Hudson County are filed at the Hudson County Administration Building, located at 595 Newark Ave., Jersey City, NJ 07306. The case type is filed as a Landlord–Tenant Complaint.

Can I file an eviction online in Hudson County?

Hudson County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Hudson County Administration Building.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Hudson County?

New Jersey law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, Hudson 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 Hudson County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Hudson 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.

Relevant New Jersey Statutes