Monmouth County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything New Jersey landlords need to file a Landlord–Tenant Complaint in Monmouth 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

🏛️ Monmouth County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Monmouth County — What Landlords Should Know

Monmouth County follows standard New Jersey eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Monmouth County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Monmouth 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 Monmouth County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Monmouth County Courthouse (71 Monument Park, Freehold, NJ 07728). 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 Monmouth 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 Monmouth 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.

Monmouth County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

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

How long does an eviction take in Monmouth County?

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

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

The court filing fee in Monmouth 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 Monmouth County?

Evictions in Monmouth County are filed at the Monmouth County Courthouse, located at 71 Monument Park, Freehold, NJ 07728. The case type is filed as a Landlord–Tenant Complaint.

Can I file an eviction online in Monmouth County?

Monmouth County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Monmouth County Courthouse.

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

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

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