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.

New Jersey • Updated 2025

New Jersey Lease Agreement Template

Free, state-specific lease agreement template fully compliant with New Jersey law. Download instantly in PDF or Word format — no email required.

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.

New Jersey Lease Agreement Key Facts

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

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.

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.

New Jersey Lease Agreement — FAQ

Legal Disclaimer

This template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may have changed — consult a licensed New Jersey attorney for complex situations.