Truesdell v. Carr

PERSKIE, J.S.C.

Plaintiffs, residential tenants in defendant’s premises, brought suit for a wrongful eviction pursuant to the provisions of N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 et seq. The jury determined that defendant had indeed “locked out” plaintiffs contrary to the statute and awarded damages for lost property (furniture and the like) in the amount of $500. A return to possession being an “inappropriate remedy” on the facts of this case, plaintiffs are entitled to a trebling of this damage award. N.J.S.A. 2A:39-8.

Defendant counterclaimed for unpaid rent for the one-half month prior to the eviction. The…