Short answer
Generally no. The Anti-Eviction Act says no residential landlord may fail to renew a lease, written or oral, without good cause. Selling is not a general good cause. Narrow exceptions exist for some owner-occupied buildings and for a buyer who will personally occupy a unit in a building of three units or less.
The no-renewal rule
The Department of Community Affairs bulletin says no residential landlord may evict or fail to renew a lease, whether it is a written or an oral lease, without good cause. The listed causes include nonpayment of rent, disorderly conduct, damage to the property, substantial breach of the lease or rules, and refusal to accept reasonable lease changes, along with a handful of narrower grounds. Reading the list is more useful than guessing. A plan to sell is not on it as a stand-alone cause.
Narrow routes for an owner or buyer
The bulletin allows an owner of a building with three units or less to file for eviction when the owner seeks to personally occupy a unit, or has contracted to sell it to a buyer who will personally occupy it and the contract calls for the unit to be vacant. Two months notice to quit is required and nothing can happen until the lease expires. For an owner-occupied two or three family dwelling, the bulletin also describes a cause for a tenant staying after the lease expires.
Bigger changes take much longer
For some changes, the notice periods are long. The bulletin says a landlord who permanently retires a building from residential use must give a notice to quit at least 18 months before filing, with no action until the lease expires, and a landlord converting to condominium, cooperative or fee simple ownership must give at least three years notice, with protections for senior and disabled tenants. These are not tools for a quick sale of a single-family rental.
Why this matters when listing
A listing with a tenant in place is possible, but buyers who want vacant possession may pass. Showings need cooperation, and a lease usually runs with the sale. Ask your attorney whether the lease has an end date that fits your plans, and whether a voluntary agreement for the tenant to leave on a date makes sense. Do not lock the tenant out or shut off utilities. The bulletin says that is illegal.
An as-is sale that works with the lease
Kaizen Home Buyers makes cash offers on New Jersey houses as-is, with no repairs and no agent commission. We can give an offer within 24 hours and close in 14 to 30 days or on the date you choose. Call 267-329-0084. A buyer who wants to move in is a different match, and an agent listing can reach those buyers.