The best way to serve a Complaint and Summons (or a Notice to Quit or other correspondence) is by using a sheriff or constable.  They can be found in the phone book.  It will cost about $30, but it's worth it.  If the tenant plays games or refuses to open the door, the constable will leave a copy of the document being served on the door and mail a copy to the tenant.  The constable will then give you a copy of the served document along with a 'Return of Service.'  In the case of the Notice to Quit, you then file this Return of Service along with the Notice to Quit when/if you need to start the eviction.  This process creates 'prima facie' evidence of service and the court will consider the notice properly served.  The burden then shifts to the tenant to prove he or she was not served (and most housing court judges have heard all the stories and excuses and will not be impressed.)  Good luck.