Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Legal problems can feel scary, especially when your home is on the line. You have rights in New Jersey, and there are lawyers who help people with low incomes every day. Let's find the right help together.
Here is the easy first step: call the LSNJLAW Hotline at 888.576.5529 (1 888 LSNJ LAW), Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm. Or apply online in about 5 to 7 minutes.
A few things to know
- This guide shares general information only. It is not legal advice. For advice about your situation, talk with a lawyer.
- Each legal aid group sets its own rules, often based on income. We share what each says it offers and how to reach it.
- Court papers have deadlines. Don't wait. Get help as soon as you get any notice.
- LSNJLAW Hotline. Legal Services of New Jersey says its hotline gives legal advice, information and referrals to low income New Jersey residents in civil matters. You must be financially eligible. Call 888.576.5529, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm. Wait times can be long, so if it's not an emergency, LSNJ suggests applying online. The online application takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- The state lists help with family law, consumer and debt issues, health care, domestic violence restraining orders, public benefits, foreclosure, landlord tenant matters, immigration, taxes, employment, unemployment and expungements. LSNJ doesn't give advice on criminal matters or municipal matters like parking tickets.
Sources: https://lsnj.org/get-legal-help/free-lsnjlaw-hotline/ and https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Getting legal help, step by step
- Gather every paper you got, like a lease, notice or court papers.
- Call the LSNJLAW Hotline at 888.576.5529, or apply online.
- Tell them about any court date or deadline right away.
- Write down who you talked to and what they said.
- Go to every court date, even if you're still waiting for a lawyer.
What to say when you call
"Hi. I live in (county), and I got (an eviction notice, court papers, a letter)."
"My court date or deadline is (date)."
"Can you help me, or tell me who can?"
Bring your papers
Legal aid groups often need your documents to help you. Keep them together in one folder.
What are my rights as a tenant?
The state's Truth in Renting guide explains tenant rights in New Jersey. Read it, check the details there, and decide what fits your situation.
It covers topics like:
- Lockouts, utility shutoffs and how evictions go through court.
- The reasons a landlord can use to end a tenancy.
- Extra time on late rent for some renters.
- Fair housing, including housing vouchers.
- Options for survivors of domestic violence who need to end a lease early.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
What about my security deposit?
The state's Security Deposit Bulletin says:
- How much a landlord can charge for a deposit.
- What the landlord should tell you about where it's held.
- How and when it comes back after you move out. Check the details there.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/secty_deposit_bulletin.pdf
When you move out, to protect your deposit
What if I get an eviction notice?
- Don't ignore it. Only a court can order you to leave.
- Call the LSNJLAW Hotline right away at 888.576.5529, or your county legal aid office.
- Go to your court date. If you miss it, you could lose your case.
- If you lose your home, see Guide 2 for shelter tonight and Guide 3 for housing help.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml and https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
Say your landlord changed the locks in Elizabeth
Say you live in Union County, and your landlord changed the locks while you were out. You could read what the Truth in Renting guide says about lockouts, and call the LSNJLAW Hotline or your county legal services office for help.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf and https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
How do I clear my record?
An expungement can clear some records, which can help with jobs and housing. The state lists expungements among the issues LSNJ helps with.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and Northeast New Jersey Legal Services also help with expungements.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
How do I report a business that cheated me?
You can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs if you believe a business cheated or scammed you. File online, or call 800.242.5846 (in New Jersey) or 973.504.6200.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.njoag.gov/consumer-alert-beware-of-scammers-pretending-to-be-attorney-general-or-claiming-they-are-calling-from-attorney-generals-office/
Watch for scams
The Attorney General's office warns about scammers pretending to call from its office. If a call feels off, hang up.
Questions people ask a lot
What is the LSNJLAW Hotline number?
888.576.5529, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm. You can also apply online.
Can my landlord lock me out?
New Jersey has rules about lockouts. Read the Truth in Renting guide and call legal help right away.
How much can a security deposit be?
The state's Security Deposit Bulletin explains the rules. Check the details there.
How do I file a consumer complaint?
File online with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs, or call 800.242.5846.
Who helps with expungements?
LSNJ, Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, among others.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml and https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf and https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
You have rights
Knowing your rights is powerful. You've got this, friend.
Here is legal help near you, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD Fair Housing Complaints
What it offers If you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint with HUD.
How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
Legal Services of New Jersey Hotline
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across New Jersey, including housing and public benefits problems.
How to reach Call 888.576.5529. Apply online at https://www.lsnjlawhotline.org/
Source https://www.lsnj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
LSNJLAW Housing Information
What it offers No cost plain language articles about tenant rights, eviction and security deposits in New Jersey.
How to reach Read at https://www.lsnjlaw.org/legal-topics/housing
Source https://www.lsnjlaw.org/legal-topics/housing
Last checked October 22, 2026
Truth in Renting Guide
What it offers The state's official guide to the rights and duties of tenants and landlords in New Jersey.
How to reach Read at https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
Source https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJ Division on Civil Rights
What it offers State office that takes complaints about discrimination in housing, jobs and public places.
How to reach Learn more at https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/
Source https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ)
What it offers Legal help with eviction, civil lawsuits, divorce, bankruptcy, driver's license restoration, criminal record expungement and special education denials. It focuses on veterans, parents in Newark's South Ward and trafficking survivors.
How to reach Call 973.645.1955, email vlj@vljnj.org, or use its online intake form.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community Health Law Project (CHLP)
What it offers Legal help for low income people with disabilities and frail elderly people, including SSI and SSDI, landlord tenant matters, housing discrimination and consumer law.
How to reach Call 973.275.1175, or email chlpinfo@chlp.org.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Military Legal Assistance Program, NJ State Bar Association
What it offers Pro bono help in civil cases for New Jerseyans who served overseas after the 9/11 attacks, including employment and debtor creditor law.
How to reach Call 888.541.1900, or email mlap@njsba.com.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bergen County (Hackensack and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, public benefits, expungement and more for low income residents of Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties.
How to reach Apply at https://www.nnjls.org/
Source https://www.nnjls.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, Bergen
What it offers Civil legal help for low income people, including housing, public benefits, domestic violence, consumer rights and expungements.
How to reach 190 Moore St., Suite 100, Hackensack. Call 201.487.2166, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm, or apply online.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Middlesex County (New Brunswick and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Central Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, family and benefits problems for residents of Middlesex, Mercer and Union counties who meet income rules.
How to reach Phones staffed Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Apply online at https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Source https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal services, Middlesex County
What it offers Civil legal help, seeing clients by appointment.
How to reach Call 732.249.7600.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
Essex Newark Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in Essex County since 1966.
How to reach Call 973.624.4500. Apply at https://www.essexnewarklegalservices.org/
Source https://www.essexnewarklegalservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Essex County Legal Aid Association (ECLAA)
What it offers Civil legal help for low income Essex County residents, including unsafe living conditions, illegal lockouts, utility shutoffs and wage garnishment. The state says its services are for households under 250% of the federal poverty guideline.
How to reach The online intake form is recommended. Someone will reach out within 2 business days. Or call 973.622.0063.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, public benefits, expungement and more for low income residents of Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties.
How to reach Apply at https://www.nnjls.org/
Source https://www.nnjls.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, Hudson
What it offers Civil legal help for low income people and families, with multilingual staff.
How to reach 574 Summit Ave., 2nd Floor, Jersey City. Call 201.792.6363, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monmouth County (Freehold and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Legal Services of New Jersey Hotline
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across New Jersey, including housing and public benefits problems.
How to reach Call 888.576.5529. Apply online at https://www.lsnjlawhotline.org/
Source https://www.lsnj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Aid Society of Monmouth County
What it offers Legal help for low income people in civil cases, including bankruptcy, landlord tenant, divorce, custody and child support.
How to reach Call 732.556.8268, Monday to Thursday, 10 am to 2 pm, or email monmouthlegalaidapps@gmail.com.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Ocean County (Toms River and Lakewood)
Here are some places to start.
Legal Services of New Jersey Hotline
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes across New Jersey, including housing and public benefits problems.
How to reach Call 888.576.5529. Apply online at https://www.lsnjlawhotline.org/
Source https://www.lsnj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community Health Law Project, Shore Area Satellite Office
What it offers Legal help for low income people with disabilities and frail elderly people.
How to reach 250 Washington Street, Suite 5, Toms River. Call 732.349.6714.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Union County (Elizabeth and Plainfield)
Here are some places to start.
Central Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, family and benefits problems for residents of Middlesex, Mercer and Union counties who meet income rules.
How to reach Phones staffed Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Apply online at https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Source https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal services, Union County
What it offers Civil legal help, seeing clients by appointment. Does not handle criminal or municipal court matters.
How to reach Call 908.354.4340.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Camden County (Camden and Cherry Hill)
Here are some places to start.
South Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in South Jersey, including Camden County.
How to reach Apply by phone at 800.496.4570, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Camden office: 745 Market Street.
Source https://sjlslaw.org/contact-us/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community Health Law Project, South Jersey Main Office
What it offers Legal help for low income people with disabilities and frail elderly people.
How to reach 900 Haddon Avenue, Suite 400, Collingswood. Email Collingswood@chlp.org.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Passaic County (Paterson and Passaic)
Here are some places to start.
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, public benefits, expungement and more for low income residents of Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties.
How to reach Apply at https://www.nnjls.org/
Source https://www.nnjls.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services, Passaic
What it offers Civil legal help for low income people and families, with multilingual staff.
How to reach 100 Hamilton Plz., Suite 200, Paterson. Call 973.523.2900, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Morris County (Morristown and Dover)
Here are some places to start.
Legal Services of Northwest Jersey
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties.
How to reach Visit https://www.lsnwj.org/
Source https://www.lsnwj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Mercer County
Here are some places to start.
Central Jersey Legal Services, Mercer
What it offers Help with landlord tenant, family, bankruptcy and debt, public assistance and unemployment matters.
How to reach Call 609.695.6249 and leave a message. An intake worker will call back within two days. Or email cjls@lsnj.org with your phone number.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (legal help)
Here are some places to start.
Community Health Law Project, Burlington County
What it offers Legal help for low income people with disabilities and frail elderly people.
How to reach 4 Commerce Place, Mt. Holly. Call 609.261.3453.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Community Health Law Project, Atlantic County
What it offers Legal help for low income people with disabilities and frail elderly people.
How to reach 160 South Pitney Road, Galloway. Call 856.858.9500.
Source https://www.nj.gov/basicneeds/legal-aid/find-legal-aid.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My legal plan
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My dates
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Key numbers to keep
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If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. You're doing the right thing by getting informed. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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