My mother is the landlord of a two-family non owner-occupied property in NJ. The 2nd floor 2 bedroom unit is currently occupied by a family of six. My father originally rented the unit to them approx 6 years ago with no written lease. My father has since passed and my mother is now the landlord on record, however I handle most of the operations. The rent has been raised just once ($50) in 6 years. Recently, I have tried to raise the rent another $50 as well as get the tenants to sign a lease. It's been almost 9 months since my initial efforts. Last month I told them that we expect the new rent amount to be paid and the supplied lease to be signed on Jan 1 or they should leave me the keys and the apartment emptied for the first of Feb. 2011. Yesterday they paid my mother the old amount of rent and provided no lease. I would like to remove these tenants. Since there is no lease what are my remedies and what rights may the tenants have. I believe I may have to serve them with a notice to quit, but what do I list for the "reason" in the notice. Thank you for your advice.
