New Jersey Security Deposit Laws
New Jersey caps security deposits at 1.5 months' rent, requires them to be held in a separate interest-bearing account with annual interest payments to the tenant, and mandates return within 30 days with itemized deductions.
Key Rules
- Limit
- 1.5 months' rent maximum
- Return Deadline
- 30 days after end of tenancy (5 days if displaced by disaster)
- Itemization Required
- Yes — written itemized statement of deductions required
- Interest Required
- Yes — landlord must place deposit in an interest-bearing account and credit interest annually
- Bad Faith Penalty
- Tenant may recover double the deposit amount if landlord fails to comply
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Security deposit limit: 1.5 months' rent for initial deposit. Landlord may not charge more than one-half month's rent for annual increases. Total deposit may not exceed one and one-half months' rent.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Return of security deposit: landlord must return deposit within 30 days of the end of tenancy (5 days if tenant was displaced by fire, flood, or condemnation). Itemized statement of deductions required.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.