New Jersey law

Landlord & Tenant Laws in New Jersey.

New Jersey landlord-tenant law includes statewide rules governing residential security deposits, the deposit cap, annual interest or earnings requirements, the deadline for returning the deposit after a tenancy ends, and tenant remedies for wrongful withholding.

Last verified: 2026-04-07

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State law

Filing Requirements

Forwarding Address and Deposit AccountingN.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

A tenant should preserve a forwarding address and move-out records because New Jersey requires timely return of the deposit and any accrued interest or earnings after the tenancy ends.

State law

Key New Jersey Statutes

Security Deposit Return and InterestN.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

In New Jersey, a landlord generally must return the security deposit, plus any required accumulated interest or earnings, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. New Jersey also limits the security deposit to one and one-half months’ rent in most residential tenancies.

Wrongful Withholding RemedyN.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

If a landlord wrongfully withholds a security deposit, New Jersey law may allow the tenant to recover double the amount wrongfully withheld in the right case.

State law

Official Sources

NJ Legislature — Security Deposits New Jersey Courts — Small Claims

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.

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