New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law: Good Cause, Deposits and Notices

New Jersey rules for landlords: good cause under the Anti-Eviction Act, the 1.5-month deposit cap and 30-day return, Truth in Renting and flood notices.

By Seayora Editorial Team · Published October 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 23, 2026 · 4 min read

Short answer: New Jersey requires good cause to evict a residential tenant or refuse to renew a lease, under the Anti-Eviction Act, except in owner-occupied buildings with two or fewer rental units. A security deposit may not exceed one and a half months’ rent, must be held in an interest-bearing account in a New Jersey bank with written notice to the tenant within 30 days, and must be returned with an itemized list within 30 days after the lease ends. Landlords must also give tenants the State’s Truth in Renting statement and a flood risk notice.

Key takeaways

No eviction or non-renewal without one of the good causes the Anti-Eviction Act lists.
Deposit: at most 1.5 months’ rent, and later increases of no more than 10% of the current deposit a year.
Wrongfully keeping a deposit can cost double the amount, plus costs and attorney’s fees.
Seniors get a five business day grace period before a late fee.

Does a New Jersey landlord need a reason to evict?

Yes. Under the Anti-Eviction Act, a residential landlord may not evict a tenant or fail to renew a lease, written or oral, without good cause, and must be able to prove it in court (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1). The Act covers most residential rentals, including single-family homes, apartment buildings and mobile homes. It does not cover owner-occupied premises with two or fewer rental units, or hotel and motel rooms rented to transient or seasonal guests (Truth in Renting guide).

The good causes include nonpayment of rent, disorderly conduct after a written notice to cease, willful or grossly negligent damage, continued breach of reasonable rules or lease terms after a notice to cease, refusing reasonable lease changes at renewal, and habitual late payment, among others. Each ground other than nonpayment needs a written notice to quit describing it in detail, served on the timeline the statute sets for that ground: three days before filing for disorderly conduct or damage, and at least one month for a breach of rules or lease terms. A tenant does not have to move until the court enters a judgment for possession.

What are the security deposit rules?

The Security Deposit Law applies to all residential rentals except owner-occupied premises with two or fewer rental units, and even there a tenant can claim its protection with 30 days’ written notice (DCA Security Deposit Bulletin).

Cap: no more than one and a half times one month’s rent, and any later increase no more than 10% of the current deposit in a year (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2).
Where it is held: an interest-bearing account at a federally insured bank in New Jersey (or, for 10 or more units, an insured money market fund or variable-rate account as the law specifies), never mixed with the landlord’s money.
Notice: within 30 days of receiving the deposit, tell the tenant in writing the name and address of the bank, the type of account, the current interest rate and the amount deposited. If you do not, the tenant may apply the deposit plus 7% interest a year toward rent.
Interest: the interest belongs to the tenant and is paid in cash or credited toward rent each year, with a deposit notice at each annual payment.
Return: within 30 days after the lease ends, by personal delivery or certified or registered mail, with an itemized list of interest and deductions for damage beyond ordinary wear and tear and money owed under the lease.

If a tenant sues successfully for a deposit that was not returned within 30 days, the court awards double the amount, plus costs and, in its discretion, attorney’s fees. Shorter deadlines apply when a tenant is displaced by fire, flood or condemnation (five business days on request) or ends a lease under the Safe Housing Act (15 business days).

What must a New Jersey landlord give tenants?

The current Truth in Renting statement, at or before the lease is signed, and to every tenant within 30 days after the State posts a new edition. It does not apply to buildings of two or fewer units or owner-occupied premises of three or fewer units (DCA).
A flood risk notice to prospective tenants, required since March 20, 2024, stating whether the property is in a FEMA Special or Moderate Flood Hazard Area and whether the landlord knows of any flooding of the premises.
The EPA lead paint pamphlet for older housing, and any required window guard and bed bug information.

What other rules matter?

Late fees: a tenant who is a senior citizen gets a five business day grace period before a late fee may be charged.
Rent control is local: many New Jersey municipalities regulate rent increases, and the State publishes a survey of them. Check the town’s ordinance before raising rent.
Criminal history: the Fair Chance in Housing Act limits when and how a landlord may consider it. See our fair chance screening guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can a New Jersey landlord refuse to renew a lease without a reason?

Not for most rentals. The Anti-Eviction Act requires one of its listed good causes to evict or refuse to renew, except in owner-occupied premises with two or fewer rental units and a few other exceptions.

How much can a New Jersey landlord charge for a security deposit?

No more than one and a half times one month’s rent, and any later increase may not exceed 10% of the current deposit in a year.

How long does a New Jersey landlord have to return a deposit?

30 days after the lease ends, with an itemized list of any deductions, sent by personal delivery or certified or registered mail.

State-by-state rules

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit? — compared across 48 states and the District of Columbia
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit? — compared across 29 states and the District of Columbia
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit? — compared across 13 states and the District of Columbia
Does a landlord need a reason to evict a tenant? — compared across 4 states and the District of Columbia
How much can a landlord charge for a late rent fee? — compared across 16 states and the District of Columbia

Sources

Truth in Renting: A guide to the rights and responsibilities of residential tenants and landlords in New Jersey, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Security Deposit Bulletin (revised July 2025), New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Landlord-Tenant Information, New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1, Grounds for removal of tenants, Justia
N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, Limitation on amount of deposit, Justia

How Seayora helps

Lease renewals and endings: Record a lease ending, compute the last rent date and close out the deposit on the state’s deadline.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes often, so check the current rule for your property and talk to an attorney before acting on a dispute.

How we write and check these guides: editorial standards.

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