NOTICE AND ORDER – Mandatory Settlement Conferences in Residential Landlord Tenant Matters

The Supreme Court has authorized mandatory settlement conferences in residential landlord tenant matters. This interim step is effective immediately pending further Court action on the Report and Recommendations of the Judiciary Special Committee on Landlord Tenant (“Special Committee”).

All vicinages will schedule mandatory settlement conferences for pending landlord tenant cases. As set forth in the Court’s attached July 1, 2021 Order, priority will be given to the nearly 14,000 landlord tenant cases that have been pending for more than one year or in which more than 12 months of rent is claimed to be due.

Residential evictions remain suspended pursuant to the Governor’s Executive Order 106 as continued by legislation. The Court’s authorization of mandatory settlement conferences does not affect commercial landlord tenant proceedings, which have resumed pursuant to the Court’s June 2, 2021 Order.

Information about rental assistance and legal assistance for tenants and landlords affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is posted on the Judiciary’s website.

Questions about this notice or the Court’s July 1, 2021 Order may be directed to the Civil Practice Division of the Administrative Office of the Courts at (609) 815-2900 x54900.

/s/ Hon. Glenn A. Grant, J.A.D.
Acting Administrative Director of the Courts

Dated: July 1, 2021

NOTICE AND ORDER – Mandatory Settlement Conferences in Residential Landlord Tenant Matters