New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act means most tenants can only be removed for one of the specific causes listed in the statute — the end of a lease is not enough (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1). Deposits are capped at one and a half months’ rent and must be held in an interest-bearing account.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in New Jersey?
A New Jersey landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with interest, less any itemized deductions.
| Maximum Deposit | 1.5 months’ rent |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | Yes — held in an interest-bearing account, paid or credited annually |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | N.J.S.A. 46:8-19, 46:8-21.1, 46:8-21.2 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in New Jersey?
New Jersey has no statewide rent cap, but more than 100 municipalities have rent control ordinances; everywhere else, increases must not be unconscionable.
| Grace Period | 5 business days for tenants receiving Social Security or similar benefits |
| Rent Control Status | Local option (100+ municipalities) |
| Statute Reference | N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 |
How to Evict a Tenant in New Jersey
A New Jersey landlord can file for unpaid rent without a notice to quit, but for most other grounds must prove one of the Anti-Eviction Act’s just causes and serve the required notices.
| Non-Payment Notice | No notice to quit required |
| Lease Violation Notice | Notice to cease, then one month’s notice to quit |
| Month-to-Month Notice | Just cause required |
| Statute Reference | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1, 2A:18-61.2 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in New Jersey?
No. In multiple dwellings New Jersey regulations require at least one day’s notice before a landlord enters, except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | One day (multiple dwellings) |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Statute Reference | N.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1 |
What Must a New Jersey Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Truth in Renting statement for buildings with 2+ units (N.J.S.A. 46:8-45)
- Flood zone and flood history disclosure (N.J.S.A. 46:8-50)
- Landlord registration statement (N.J.S.A. 46:8-28)
- Window guard notice for units where children under 11 live
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in New Jersey?
New Jersey leases carry an implied warranty of habitability; tenants may repair and deduct or withhold rent when a landlord fails to fix serious defects.
What New Jersey landlords must maintain
- • Keep the unit habitable under the implied warranty (Marini v. Ireland)
- • Comply with state and local housing maintenance codes
What a New Jersey tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct reasonable costs
- • Withhold rent for serious habitability defects
| Repair & Deduct | Yes, recognized by the courts |