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Generate New Jersey Demand LetterNew Jersey Security Deposit Laws (2026 Guide)
New Jersey landlords must return security deposits within 30 days and comply with strict interest requirements.
Research Notice
This guide summarizes publicly available legal information. Laws change over time, and legal outcomes depend heavily on both state law and your individual facts. Always verify current laws or consult a qualified attorney before making important legal decisions.
What You'll Learn
Used to create state-specific security deposit demand letters based on current landlord-tenant laws.
New Jersey Security Deposit Law At a Glance
New Jersey Security Deposit Deductions Explained
Allowed Deductions
- •Unpaid rent: Any unpaid rent owed under the lease. Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
- •Damage beyond normal wear and tear: Reasonable costs for repairing damage caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear.
- •Lawful lease charges: Other charges permitted by the lease agreement, provided they are lawful.
NOT Allowed
- ✕Normal wear and tear: Routine cleaning, carpet wear, or minor marks on walls.
- ✕Unsupported charges: Deductions without proper accounting or justification.
- ✕Failure to provide itemized accounting: If the landlord fails to provide the required itemized statement.
New Jersey Security Deposit Remedies
If your landlord violated New Jersey security deposit laws, you might be entitled to recover more than just your original deposit due to statutory penalties in some jurisdictions. Outcomes depend heavily on the specific facts and documentation of each case. Nothing on this page guarantees a particular legal outcome.
Wrongfully Withheld
Example initial withheld amount
Statutory Penalty
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, courts shall award double the amount wrongfully withheld.
Maximum Potential Award
A mandatory doubling of the wrongfully withheld amount, plus full costs of the action and possible attorney fees.
*Legal Disclaimer: Educational concepts and examples shown here are purely hypothetical. Results depend entirely on the specific facts of your case.
New Jersey's 30-Day Return Timeline
Move Out
Tenant returns keys and vacates the rental property.
Landlord Deadline (30 Days)
The landlord must return the deposit or provide a written itemized list of deductions.
Demand Letter Stage
If the deadline is missed or deductions are unfair, send a formal demand letter citing N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1.
Small Claims Option
If the landlord fails to respond properly, file a lawsuit in local small claims court.
Common New Jersey Landlord Violations
Missing the 30-Day Deadline
Failing to return the deposit and an itemized list of deductions within 30 days.
Failure to Pay Interest
Not placing the deposit in an interest-bearing account or failing to pay the accrued interest to the tenant.
Improper Account Notices
Failing to provide required notice containing bank name, address, account type, deposit amount, and interest rate.
Deducting for Normal Wear & Tear
Charging the tenant for routine turnover costs.
What to do if your landlord won't return your deposit
1. Gather Evidence
Collect your lease, move-in/move-out photos, and all written communication with the landlord.
2. Request an Explanation
If they missed the deadline, send a quick message asking for a status update. This proves you tried to resolve it informally.
3. Send a Demand Letter
Draft a formal letter explicitly citing N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 and giving a firm deadline to respond.
4. Keep Proof of Delivery
Always send your demand letter via Certified Mail so you have a tracking number proving they received it.
5. Consider Small Claims Court
If the demand letter is ignored, you can file a case in New Jersey small claims court. The letter serves as an essential piece of evidence.
New Jersey Security Deposit Law Explained (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1)
The New Jersey Rent Security Deposit Act provides powerful protections for tenants. The most critical rule is the strict 30-day return deadline established under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1.
The Strict 30-Day Return Rule
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, your landlord has exactly 30 days after your lease terminates to return your security deposit, plus your accrued interest, minus any valid, itemized deductions.
If the landlord makes deductions, they must send you a complete, itemized written statement explaining exactly what they are charging you for, along with the remaining balance of your deposit and interest. The law requires delivery by personal delivery, registered mail, or certified mail.
If a judge determines your landlord wrongfully withheld your money, the law instructs the court to award double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus the full costs of the legal action, and potentially reasonable attorney fees. While double damages are not guaranteed—you must prove the withholding was wrongful in court—this penalty strongly encourages landlords to follow the law.
Statutory Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
Special Emergency Deadlines
While 30 days is the standard deadline, New Jersey provides faster return times in specific situations: 15 business days if you terminate your lease under the New Jersey Safe Housing Act, or 5 days if you are displaced due to fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation.
The "Owner-Occupied" Exception (N.J.S.A. 46:8-26)
There is one massive exception every tenant must know: the New Jersey Security Deposit Act does not automatically apply to owner-occupied properties with two or fewer rental units (such as a duplex or triplex where the landlord lives in one of the units). To gain the protections of the law (including the strict 30-day rule and the 1.5-month cap), tenants in these specific buildings must provide the landlord with a 30-day written notice invoking the provisions of the act.
The Interest Requirements
Under New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19), your security deposit remains your property. Landlords must place the deposit in a proper interest-bearing account in a New Jersey banking institution or investment company and provide you with a written notice containing the bank's name and address, the account type, the deposit amount, and the current interest rate within 30 days of receiving the deposit.
You are entitled to the ordinary annual interest your deposit actually earns in that account. By law, the landlord must pay this earned interest to you annually in cash or credit it toward your rent.
The "7% Rule" and Tenant Remedies
Many tenants hear they are automatically owed 7% interest on their deposit. This is a misunderstanding. Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-19, if a landlord fails to place the deposit in a proper account or fails to provide the required initial or annual notices, the tenant may give written notice directing the landlord to apply the deposit—plus 7% interest per year—toward rent due or to become due. Once invoked properly, the tenant is without obligation to make any further security deposit. This is a specific statutory remedy for non-compliance, not the standard interest rate every deposit earns. (Note that landlords have a 30-day window to cure certain annual notice deficiencies after receiving the tenant's demand).
Statutory Limits, Fees & Account Rules
New Jersey law strictly limits how much a landlord can collect and dictates exactly how they must store your money.
The 1.5-Month Maximum
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, a landlord cannot demand more than one and one-half (1.5) times one month’s rent as a security deposit.
Pet Deposits & The Cap
A common landlord mistake is charging a 1.5-month deposit plus an additional refundable "pet deposit." By law, all refundable deposits combined (security, pet, key deposits) cannot exceed the 1.5-month limit.
The 10% Increase Limitation
If your rent increases, your landlord can ask you to add money to your security deposit so it remains at the 1.5-month threshold.
However, New Jersey law strictly limits these deposit increases to no more than 10% of the current security deposit in any given year (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2). They cannot demand a massive lump sum all at once.
Non-Refundable Fees vs. Security Deposits
It is important to understand the difference between refundable security deposits and other charges like "move-in fees," "application fees," or "pet fees."
| Fee Type | Legality & Limits |
|---|---|
| Refundable Pet Deposit | Must be counted toward the 1.5-month total limit. Must be returned based on actual damages. |
| Non-Refundable Pet Fee | The legal treatment of a non-refundable pet fee depends upon the substance of the charge, the lease terms, and applicable New Jersey law. |
| Move-in / Amenity Fees | The legal treatment of these fees depends upon the substance of the charge, the lease terms, and applicable New Jersey law. |
Strict Banking & Notice Requirements
New Jersey law dictates exactly where a landlord must keep your deposit and what they must tell you about it. The money remains your property while held in trust.
Account Types
Deposits must be placed in an interest-bearing account at a state or federally chartered bank or savings and loan association in New Jersey. For properties with 10 or more units, landlords must invest the deposits in an insured money market fund or a bank account bearing a variable rate of interest similar to a money market account.
Mandatory Notices
Within 30 days of receiving your deposit, the landlord must notify you in writing of the bank's name and address, the account type, the deposit amount, and the current interest rate. This notice must also be provided annually, at the time of each lease renewal, or within 30 days if the deposit is moved to a new bank.
Annual Interest Payments
The landlord must pay you the ordinary interest actually earned on your deposit every year. They can provide a cash payment or credit the interest toward your rent due on the anniversary of the lease.
Property Sales, Foreclosures & Bankruptcies
A very common tenant misunderstanding occurs when a rental property is sold, goes into foreclosure, or the landlord declares bankruptcy. Tenants often fear their deposit is lost.
The Rule of Transfer (N.J.S.A. 46:8-20)
When a property changes hands, the original landlord must transfer all security deposits (plus accumulated interest) to the new owner within 5 days and notify the tenants by registered or certified mail.
The "New Owner" Liability
Even if the old landlord illegally keeps the money and fails to transfer it, the new owner is still legally responsible for returning your security deposit when you move out. A new landlord cannot claim "I never got your deposit from the previous owner." New Jersey law explicitly protects the tenant in this scenario.
Valid Deductions & Normal Wear and Tear in NJ
Landlords can only deduct for actual damages that exceed ordinary depreciation. You cannot be charged for the natural aging of the property.
What is "Normal Wear and Tear"?
Normal wear and tear is the expected deterioration of a property that happens when someone lives there reasonably and legally. A landlord cannot pass the cost of routine maintenance, painting, or updating old fixtures onto the tenant.
New Jersey courts consistently hold that landlords cannot use tenant security deposits to upgrade their rental units or prepare them for the next tenant.
| Item / Area | Normal Wear & Tear (Landlord Pays) | Damage (Tenant Pays) |
|---|---|---|
| Carpet & Flooring | Fading from sunlight, minor indentations from furniture, moderate traffic wear in hallways. | Pet urine stains, large rips, cigarette burns, unauthorized paint spills, deep gouges in hardwood. |
| Paint & Walls | Fading, minor scuffs, a reasonable number of small nail holes for hanging standard pictures. | Large unpatched holes, unauthorized custom paint jobs (e.g., painting a room black), heavy smoke residue. |
| Cleaning | Dusting, standard sweeping, regular cleaning required between tenancies. | Leaving heaps of garbage, extreme grime in appliances, requiring a specialized hazmat/deep clean. |
| Windows & Blinds | Blinds with worn strings, slightly dusty screens, hardware naturally degrading over time. | Smashed windows, torn window screens from pets, broken blinds due to force. |
| Plumbing & Fixtures | A worn washer causing a slow drip, calcium buildup from hard water, old pipes degrading. | Flushing improper items causing clogs, physically breaking off a faucet handle, cracking a toilet tank. |
The "Useful Life" Rule & Betterment
Landlords cannot charge you the full replacement cost for an item that was already old. They can only charge you for the remaining "useful life" of the item. This prevents "betterment" (the landlord getting a free upgrade at your expense).
Educational Example: There is no strict statutory depreciation schedule in New Jersey, but as a practical illustration: if a court considers a carpet to have a 10-year useful life based on the facts, and it is damaged after 8 years, a judge may only allow a deduction for the remaining 2 years of lost life (20% of the replacement cost)—not the cost of a brand new carpet.
Abandoned Property
Leaving items behind can lead to valid deductions for removal and disposal. If you leave furniture, trash, or debris, the landlord can deduct the reasonable cost of paying a service (or their own labor, if documented) to remove it.
Tip: Never leave a couch by the dumpster assuming it's fine. If the landlord has to pay a bulk-trash fee, it will come out of your deposit.
Evidence & Documentation
If a deduction is challenged in court, landlords should be prepared to substantiate deductions with credible documentation and evidence showing the deductions were valid, reasonable, and actual.
Documentation Matters
- Move-in checklists signed by both parties.
- Time-stamped photographs taken before moving in.
- Time-stamped photographs taken after moving out and cleaning.
- A formal move-out walkthrough (strongly recommended).
Receipts and Estimates
While New Jersey law does not strictly require landlords to provide receipts with every deduction, receipts, paid invoices, and detailed estimates are highly persuasive evidence.
If challenged, deducting for repairs or cleaning without credible documentation such as an invoice, receipt, or detailed log of hours and costs may be difficult for a landlord to defend in court.
Pro Tip: Preventing "Deep Cleaning" Deductions
"General cleaning" is the most abused deduction in New Jersey. Landlords often try to charge $300+ to prep the unit for the next tenant. To defeat this:
Review Your Lease: Cleaning obligations depend upon the lease terms, the condition of the property, and the parties' obligations under applicable law. Do not assume a simple sweep is always sufficient if your lease dictates otherwise.
Focus on Appliances: The inside of the oven and refrigerator are the most common targets for valid cleaning deductions. Make sure these are thoroughly wiped down.
Request Documentation: If a landlord deducts for cleaning, ask for documentation. While receipts, invoices, or estimates are not universally required by law, they are persuasive evidence that may help substantiate deductions if challenged.
The New Jersey Tenant Journey: Move-Out to Recovery
Knowing the law is only half the battle. How you conduct your move-out, document your unit, and communicate with your landlord determines whether you get your money back.
30 Days Before Move-Out
The fight for your security deposit begins long before you hand over the keys. Being proactive prevents disputes before they happen.
Provide Your Forwarding Address
New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1) requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days. Providing a forwarding address is strongly recommended to facilitate this process. While not legally required, sending your new address via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested is an excellent best practice to create a clear paper trail.
Request a Pre-Move-Out Inspection
Ask your landlord to walk through the unit with you a week before you leave. Ask them to point out any concerns. This gives you time to fix minor issues (like patching a hole or deep cleaning the oven) yourself, rather than paying their inflated vendor prices.
Move-Out Day & Documentation
Judges decide cases based on evidence. Your smartphone is your best weapon against bogus deductions.
The "Perfect Evidence" Checklist
Continuous Video Walkthrough: Record a single, uncut video walking through the entire empty, clean unit. Open all appliances, flush the toilet, turn on the faucets, and show the floors.
Time-Stamped Photos: Take wide shots of every room and close-ups of commonly disputed areas (inside the oven, the bathtub, blinds, and carpets). Ensure your camera's date/time stamp is enabled.
The Final Surrender: Take a photo of the keys on the kitchen counter or video yourself locking the door and dropping keys in the dropbox. This proves exactly when possession was returned.
The 30-Day Waiting Period
The clock starts the day your lease legally terminates AND you surrender the property. For 30 days, do nothing. Do not pester the landlord.
Reviewing the Statement:
If the landlord sends a check with deductions, scrutinize the itemized list. Look for these red flags:
- • "General cleaning" lacking credible documentation.
- • Charges for routine repainting (e.g., claiming a 3-year timeframe as a strict rule rather than a factual determination).
- • Flat fees that don't reflect actual repair costs.
- • Replacing an entire carpet for one small stain (rather than assessing actual depreciation and useful life).
What if 30 days pass?
If day 31 arrives and you have not received your money or an itemized list, the landlord is in violation of N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1. While this does not automatically erase their right to claim actual damages, it opens them up to a lawsuit where a judge has the authority to penalize them for the delay and may award double the net amount wrongfully withheld.
Day 31 Decision Tree: Demand & Recovery
If day 31 arrives and your deposit is missing or unlawfully deducted from, it is time to take action. Use this decision tree to determine your next move:
Step 1: The Demand Letter
While not a statutory requirement before filing a lawsuit, sending a formal demand letter is a strongly recommended best practice. Cite N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, outline why the deductions are improper, and set a clear deadline. Sending it via Certified Mail helps establish a clear paper trail and can encourage settlement.
Step 2: Landlord Responds
If they offer a partial settlement, weigh the cost and time of court vs. accepting. If you accept, get it in writing.
Warning: Do not cash a check marked "Paid in Full" if you intend to sue for the rest, as this can waive your rights.
Step 3: Small Claims Court
If they ignore the letter or refuse to pay, you may choose to file a lawsuit in the Special Civil Part (Small Claims) of the NJ Superior Court. You can sue for up to $5,000 in Small Claims, or up to $20,000 in the regular Special Civil Part. Ask for double damages under the statute.
Real-World New Jersey Rental Scenarios
Not every situation is textbook. Here is how New Jersey security deposit law applies to the most common real-world complications tenants face.
What if I broke my lease early?
If you break your lease early, liability for unpaid rent, re-rental costs, or other damages depends upon the lease terms, the landlord's mitigation obligations, applicable law, and provable damages. New Jersey landlords generally have a duty to mitigate damages, meaning they must make a reasonable effort to find a new replacement tenant. They cannot double-dip by retaining your deposit for rent while also collecting rent from a new tenant for the same period.
Renter Tip:
Help them find a replacement tenant immediately to minimize your financial liability.
What if my roommate caused the damage?
If you are both on the same lease (joint and several liability), the landlord views you as a single entity. They can deduct the cost of the damage from the shared security deposit, regardless of who caused it. The landlord is not required to figure out who broke the door.
What to do:
You will need to sort it out with your roommate privately. If they refuse to pay their share, your recourse is to sue your roommate in small claims court, not the landlord.
What if I never provided a forwarding address?
The 30-day clock still starts when you move out. If a forwarding address is not provided, the landlord may send the check and itemized statement to your last known address (the unit you just vacated), relying on USPS forwarding.
Recommendation: Providing a forwarding address is strongly recommended because it helps facilitate communication, delivery of the security deposit, itemized statements and other notices, while reducing unnecessary disputes.
What if I was evicted?
The 30-day deadline still applies. An eviction does not erase your rights under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1. However, the landlord will almost certainly deduct the unpaid rent and court costs associated with the eviction. If there is money left over, they must return it within 30 days of you being locked out or surrendering the unit.
What if I moved because of domestic violence?
Under the New Jersey Safe Housing Act, survivors of domestic violence can legally break their lease early without penalty. If you terminate your lease this way, the landlord must return your security deposit (minus valid damages) within 15 business days of you vacating, rather than the standard 30 days.
What if my landlord sold the property?
The new owner inherits the liability. Even if the old landlord never transferred your deposit to the new owner, the new owner is still legally required to return it when you move out. Address your demand letter to the new owner or property management company.
What if the rental was damaged by fire or flood?
If the property becomes uninhabitable and you are displaced due to fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation, New Jersey law requires the landlord to return your deposit within 5 business days (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1).
What if they charge for repainting?
Educational Illustration: There is no strict New Jersey legal rule dictating a specific timeframe (such as 2 or 3 years) for repainting. However, as an educational example, if a tenant resides in a unit for several years, courts may often consider routine repainting as normal wear and tear based on the facts of the case. Unless you caused severe damage (like drawing on walls or unauthorized bold paint colors), a judge may scrutinize charges meant merely to freshen up the unit for the next tenant.
What if they charge for full carpet replacement?
Educational Illustration: New Jersey does not have a statutory carpet lifespan or depreciation schedule. However, in practice, courts may consider the remaining useful life of an item. As a practical educational example, if a court determines a carpet had a 10-year lifespan and was damaged after 7 years, a judge may only hold the tenant responsible for the remaining 30% of the replacement cost, rather than the full price of a brand new carpet.
What if I don't have move-in photos or a lease?
Don't panic. Landlords should be prepared to substantiate deductions with credible documentation and evidence if the deductions are challenged. If the landlord cannot produce move-in photos showing the unit was pristine when you arrived, a judge may question their charges for pre-existing damage. Your testimony still counts as evidence.
What if the landlord ignores the demand letter?
If the deadline in your demand letter passes with no response, you may choose to file in Small Claims Court (Special Civil Part). While a demand letter is not a statutory prerequisite for filing a lawsuit, it serves as valuable proof to the judge that you attempted to resolve the issue reasonably beforehand. This strong practical step often helps strengthen your claim for double damages and court costs.
Going to Court & Defeating Common Myths
Prepare for the courtroom and understand the realities of New Jersey law before filing your lawsuit in the Special Civil Part.
Top 3 Tenant Mistakes
Not providing a forwarding address.
Providing a forwarding address is strongly recommended because it helps facilitate communication, delivery of the security deposit, itemized statements and other notices, while reducing unnecessary disputes.
Using the deposit as the last month's rent.
Unless explicitly agreed in writing by the landlord, this is illegal and exposes you to a lawsuit for unpaid rent and attorney's fees.
Cashing a "Paid in Full" check.
Cashing a partial refund check that says "Full Settlement" can sometimes be legally construed as accepting the deduction.
Top 3 Landlord Mistakes
Missing the 30-day deadline entirely.
If the landlord sends the check on day 35, they have violated the law. While they may still claim actual damages, this delay makes them liable for double the net amount wrongfully withheld.
Lacking credible documentation.
Deducting a flat fee for "cleaning" without any invoice, estimate, or receipt from a cleaning service makes the deduction harder to defend in court if challenged.
Charging for normal wear and tear.
Trying to make the tenant pay for betterment, such as (as an educational example) upgrading a 10-year-old carpet or routinely repainting an entire apartment.
Inside the Courtroom: What Judges Ask
When you stand before a judge in the New Jersey Special Civil Part, they want facts, not emotion. Be prepared to answer these common questions directly:
1. "When exactly did you surrender the keys?"
Judges need to know the exact date to calculate if the 30-day rule was violated. Have proof of when you moved out and handed over possession.
2. "How did you notify the landlord of your new address?"
Bring the Certified Mail receipt or other evidence showing they received your forwarding address. A simple text message can sometimes be disputed.
3. "Do you have move-in and move-out photos?"
The judge wants to compare the condition visually. Print them out; don't make the judge squint at your phone screen.
4. (To the Landlord) "Where is the documentation for this repair?"
Judges look for persuasive evidence. Receipts, invoices, estimates, photographs and similar documentation may help substantiate deductions if challenged.
Your Small Claims Court Evidence Binder
Organization wins cases. If you choose to file a lawsuit, it is a strongly recommended best practice to bring three copies (one for the judge, one for the landlord, one for you) of a well-organized binder containing:
- 1
The Lease Agreement: A complete, signed copy of your lease and any addendums.
- 2
Proof of Payment: Bank statements or canceled checks proving you paid the original deposit.
- 3
The Notice to Vacate: Your written notice ending the tenancy and proof of delivery.
- 4
The Forwarding Address Letter: A copy of the letter you sent with your new address and any delivery proof (such as a Certified Mail Return Receipt).
- 5
The Demand Letter: A copy of any formal demand letter you may have sent before filing the lawsuit, plus proof of mailing.
- 6
The Photo Evidence: Printed, color photographs from move-in and move-out, clearly labeled and dated.
- 7
The Landlord's Statement: The itemized deduction letter the landlord sent (if any) and the envelope showing the postmark date.
Did You Know?
In New Jersey, if you have to sue your landlord to get your deposit back, and the judge finds the landlord wrongfully withheld the money, the judge has the discretion to order the landlord to pay your attorney's fees and court costs under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1.
This levels the playing field, making it feasible for tenants to hire lawyers even for smaller deposit amounts.
The Power of N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
New Jersey courts can award double damages for wrongfully withheld deposits.
Double The Wrongfully Withheld Amount
If a landlord misses the 30-day deadline, or makes bogus deductions, filing in small claims court is a potential option. If a judge agrees the money was wrongfully withheld, the court may award you double the net amount that was improperly kept, plus court costs, and potentially attorney's fees.
Sending a formal demand letter that explicitly cites N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 and threatens to seek this double penalty is often enough to convince a landlord to return your money immediately, without you ever needing to go to court.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the New Jersey security deposit return deadline?
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, a landlord generally must return the security deposit, along with the tenant's accrued interest, within 30 days after the tenancy ends. The landlord must also provide an itemized written statement explaining any deductions.
What happens if a New Jersey landlord misses the 30-day deadline?
If a landlord fails to comply with the return requirements or wrongfully withholds the deposit, a court shall award double the amount wrongfully withheld, together with full costs of the action, and may award reasonable attorney fees.
Does a New Jersey landlord have to pay interest on my deposit?
Yes. New Jersey law requires security deposits to be placed in an interest-bearing account. The tenant is entitled to the applicable interest, which can be paid out in cash or credited toward rent. Landlords must also provide specific written notices about the account.
What is the 7% interest rule I hear about in New Jersey?
The 7% annual interest rule is a specific penalty remedy that applies when a landlord fails to comply with the deposit handling or notice requirements (e.g., failing to place it in the correct account or give notice). It is not the standard interest rate that every tenant automatically receives.
Are there exceptions to the 30-day deadline in New Jersey?
Yes, there are special situations. For example, if the lease is terminated under the Safe Housing Act, the deadline is 15 business days. If the tenant is displaced by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation, the deadline is 5 days. Additionally, owner-occupied properties with one or two rental units have special rules that may exempt them from some requirements.
Primary Sources
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
Statutory framework governing security deposits in New Jersey.
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