New Jersey Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
N.J. Stat. §46:8-19 to §46:8-26 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of lease or tenant vacating and returning keys.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees under N.J. Stat. §46:8-21.1.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1.5 months rent
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $5,000
- Interest on deposit: Landlord must place deposit in interest-bearing account or invest in State of NJ investment fund; interest paid annually to tenant
Additional Protections
- Deposit must be placed in interest-bearing account within 30 days of receipt
- Landlord must notify tenant of bank name, address, and account number
- Interest or earnings paid to tenant annually
- Deposit capped at 1.5 months rent
What Your New Jersey Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from New Jersey's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
N.J. Stat. §46:8-19 to §46:8-26 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
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New Jersey Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in New Jersey?
Under N.J. Stat. §46:8-19 to §46:8-26, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of lease or tenant vacating and returning keys to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my New Jersey landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees under N.J. Stat. §46:8-21.1. You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in New Jersey?
Under N.J. Stat. §46:8-21.2, the maximum security deposit in New Jersey is 1.5 months rent.
Does my New Jersey landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. New Jersey law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey small claims court handles cases up to $5,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in New Jersey?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a New Jersey-specific demand letter citing N.J. Stat. §46:8-19 to §46:8-26 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
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