Landlord and tenant rules in New Jersey

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in New Jersey, mainly from the N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 and following (security deposits) and the Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 and following), as summarized in Truth in Renting. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

1.5 months' rent¹N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2

A deposit may not exceed one and a half months' rent, and any later increase is limited to 10% of the current deposit per year.

Deposit return deadline

30 days¹N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends, sending any itemized deductions by certified or registered mail.

Interest on deposits

Required¹N.J.S.A. 46:8-19

The deposit must be kept in an interest-bearing account, and the interest belongs to the tenant. It is paid in cash or credited toward rent each year.

Late fees

5 business day grace period for seniors¹N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 to 6.3

Late fees must be stated in the lease. Seniors receiving certain pensions or benefits get five business days before a late fee can be charged.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice of a rent increase

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Statewide rent limits

None statewide, local ordinances allowed¹N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.5

New Jersey has no statewide rent control, but cities and towns may adopt their own rent control or rent leveling rules. Newly built multiple dwellings are exempt from local rent control for 30 years.

Landlord entry

1 day (multiple dwellings)¹N.J.A.C. 5:10-1.2

For multiple dwellings, a state regulation treats one day's notice as reasonable, with immediate access in safety or structural emergencies.

Notice for unpaid rent

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

Truth in Renting, New Jersey Department of Community Affairsofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.