no co

[wendynj924]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NJ

Question: You rent your home to a "friend" without a certificate of occupancy. the friend decides to move and doesn't pay the last two months rent, in addition, trashes the place. there is a signed lease, for two years with option to buy, tenant is responsible for ALL repairs to the home. Now landlord takes tenant to court for back rent and damage to home, does the fact that both knew there was no CO matter in the court case?

 

[Zigner]

If he damaged your property, you can certainly recover the cost of repairs. Don't count on collecting rent out of it though.

 

[wendynj924]

Why would I be able to get damages, but not rent do you think?

 

[Gail in Georgia]

Because without a certificate of occupancy in New Jersey, you were renting out an illegal unit:

New Jersey Landlord Tenant Rent Law NJ Security Depsoits Evictions

Gail

 

[sandyclaus]

No CO means that you are not legally entitled to demand or collect rent. That means the 2 months unpaid rent are gone forever.