New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common New Jersey landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (New Jersey Statutes 46:8). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
Preview lease and notice templates free as PDF and editable Word (DOCX) — pay $19.99/year or $2.99/month only when you download. Cancel any time.
Security Deposit Laws
1.5 months' rent
30 days
Yes
The rule: Max 1.5 months' rent, and a yearly increase may not exceed 10% of the current deposit. The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account, with written notice of where it is within 30 days and interest paid or credited every year. Within 30 days after the lease ends the landlord must return it with an itemized list of deductions, in person or by registered or certified mail (5 business days if the tenant was displaced by fire, flood, condemnation or evacuation). Owner-occupied buildings with 2 or fewer rental units are covered only if the tenant opts in (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-26).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Reviewed · N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-26
Eviction Notice Requirements
30 days notice
30 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to Vacate
30 days notice
No notice required if lease ends
Late Rent Fees
5 days
No limit
Additional Regulations
Many municipalities have local controls
Reasonable notice
When to use New Jersey document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for New Jersey landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the sidebar.
Common mistakes in New Jersey
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
In New Jersey the security deposit limit is 1.5 months' rent. The return deadline is 30 days. Max 1.5 months' rent, and a yearly increase may not exceed 10% of the current deposit. The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account, with written notice of where it is within 30 days and interest paid or credited every year. Within 30 days after the lease ends the landlord must return it with an itemized list of deductions, in person or by registered or certified mail (5 business days if the tenant was displaced by fire, flood, condemnation or evacuation). Owner-occupied buildings with 2 or fewer rental units are covered only if the tenant opts in (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-26).
Confirm current rules in New Jersey Statutes 46:8.
Disclaimer: Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official New Jersey sources before relying on this information. Last reviewed: 2026-09-27.