R. 6:2-1. — Form of Summons

The form of the summons shall conform with the requirements of R. 4:4-2 and shall be in the form set forth in Appendix XI-A(1) to these Rules or, for small claims, in the form set forth in Appendix XI-A(2) or, for tenancy actions, in the form set forth in Appendix XI-B. However in landlord and tenant actions for the recovery of premises, summary ejectment and unlawful entry and detainer actions, and actions in the Small Claims Section, in lieu of directing the defendant to file an answer, the summons or signed order to show cause used as original process, shall require the defendant to appear and state a defense at a certain time and place, to be therein specified, which time shall be not less than 21 days in summary dispossess actions and not less than 5 business days, nor more than 30 days from the date of service of the summons in small claims actions, and shall notify the defendant that upon failure to do so, judgment by default may be rendered for the relief demanded in the complaint.