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I know that the latter firm I recommended specifically has handled landlord-tenant matters, and not just "real estate" per se. Alternatively, the OP could ask for a referral through the Hudson County bar association, but it costs $35. Provided you accurately describe your problem, the association will recommend three attorneys that could represent you. They may or may not actually be located in JC, but will be in Hudson County. Here's the link for that:

https://hcbalaw.com/lawyers-referral/

I don't know either of these firms, but I do know that "real estate" attorneys typically don't know a thing about Landlord/Tenant, or zoning, or much of anything else. You're lucky if they are thoroughly versed in RE closings and don't forget things like transferring tenant security deposits etc.

L/T attorneys tend to be closer to the bottom of the law heap, and finding a good one is not easy, and those tend to specialize in representing landlords. I cannot recommend one, I could not locate a confidence inspiring one last time I tried.

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I've used Vince Vyzas for a couple of issues related to real estate and been happy. The bills I received from him were never all that surprising. I don't know if he specifically represents the tenant side of landlord-tenant disputes but he can probably refer you to someone who does.

Although their office is in Kearny, they used to have an office in Jersey City and still do a lot of business in Jersey City. They deal largely by phone anyway. They also have an office in Brooklyn if that is workable for you.

(201) 991-0584 is their Kearny phone number.

http://www.vyzaslaw.com/Contact-Us.aspx

There's also D'Alessandro & Ciekiewicz, which is more of a family law firm but they handle landlord-tenant matters too. They have an office up on Kennedy Boulevard.

http://www.dadlc.com/

Thank you to all of you for your helpful suggestions. Does anyone know of a good lawyer that handles these types of questions?
Thanks!

wow scary that would happen.

Just logically, if someone doesn't pay rent, the landlord will usually send a certified letter within 2 months of nonpayment demanding the rent be remitted.

In this case,if there was no such notice, that can't look good for the landlord.Why did he wait until now?

Yes, please have your friend speak with an attorney. Why even bother with crazy JCList. lol

I would argue that the landlord had an obligation to communicate each utility bill within a certain time frame otherwise they forfeited their right to 1/3 of it as per the lease. It may be the same as the legal notice to end one lease, 30 days. Yes, a lawyer should be able to answer that.

I believe the statute of limitations for debts is six years in NJ, so he wouldn't likely be able to collect beyond that. The landlord should provide billing statements to support what 1/3 of the last six years equals. Then it seems like your friend would owe that much.

We had this happen from 2007-2014, rent was never raised, landlords didn't even know the lease had expired.
Our attorney told us we were technically on a month to month, and the terms of the original lease would still be upheld by most judges.
Had our rent increased or there was a verbal agreement, that would have been a different story.

Your friend should talk to a lawyer.

Hello-
This is actually me asking for a friend...not the old pretend "asking for a friend."

In their original lease (signed in Fall of 2006) tenants were to pay 1/3 of PSE&G bill for heat/hot water. The landlord never supplied a bill...tenants still live there...apparently one time he asked them for it, but never followed up.

Lease is LONG expired...and suddenly landlord has shown up with bills for approximately $7000. The tenants acknowledge signing the clause, but wonder if he can all of a sudden decide to collect. Is there any sort of past-practice statute?

I would appreciate direction of where to look for guidance. Snarky comments? Not so helpful, though I know they are entertaining here on JCLIST! Hopefully the world has more exciting issues to offer for snark potential.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!