NJ · LEASE-AGMT · Updated July 2026 · Free
New Jersey Lease Agreement
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New Jersey at a glance: Security Deposit Limit: 1.5 months' rent · Deposit Return Deadline: 30 days (15 days if fire/flood displacement) · Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month: 1 month (with just cause required)
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Overview
Lease Agreements in New Jersey
New Jersey landlord-tenant law is among the most tenant-protective in the country, governed by N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-21.1 et seq. and the Anti-Eviction Act. Security deposits are capped at 1.5 months' rent and must be returned within 30 days (or 15 days if the tenant moves due to fire or flood).
New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act requires just cause for eviction — landlords generally cannot terminate a tenancy without a legal reason. Many cities (Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken) also have local rent control ordinances.
Key Facts
New Jersey Lease Agreement — Quick Reference
| Requirement | New Jersey Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | 1.5 months' rent |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days (15 days if fire/flood displacement) |
| Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month | 1 month (with just cause required) |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 30-Day Notice (for most tenants) |
| Just Cause for Eviction | Required statewide (Anti-Eviction Act) |
| Rent Control | No statewide; many cities have local programs |
| Governing Law | N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-21.1; Anti-Eviction Act |
Legal Requirements
New Jersey Legal Requirements
- Security deposit capped at 1.5 months' rent.
- Deposits must be held in an interest-bearing account; interest paid annually.
- Deposits must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions.
- Just cause required for all evictions under the Anti-Eviction Act.
- Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 properties.
- Landlord must disclose the name and address of the managing agent.
Governing Laws
New Jersey Governing Laws
N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-21.1
Security Deposits
Limits deposits to 1.5 months' rent. Requires interest-bearing accounts and annual interest payments. Return required within 30 days with itemized deductions.
N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-61.1
Anti-Eviction Act
Requires landlords to have just cause to evict tenants. Acceptable causes include non-payment, habitual late payment, lease violations, disorderly conduct, and property damage.
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's New Jersey legal resources or your state legislature's official website.
Questions & Answers
New Jersey Lease Agreement — Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Jersey require just cause for eviction?
Yes. New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act requires landlords to have a legally recognized reason to evict a tenant. This includes non-payment of rent, lease violations, disorderly conduct, damage, and a few other causes. A landlord cannot terminate a lease simply because it expired.
Does New Jersey have rent control?
No statewide rent control. However, dozens of New Jersey cities — including Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, Trenton, and Camden — have local rent control ordinances that limit annual rent increases. Check your municipality's rules.
How much can a New Jersey landlord charge for a security deposit?
New Jersey caps security deposits at 1.5 months' rent. The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account, and the landlord must notify the tenant of the bank and account annually. Interest must be credited to the tenant each year.