Rental agreement › United States › New Jersey
New Jersey rental agreement — laws, template & free PDF
A New Jersey rental agreement is a residential tenancy contract governed by New Jersey landlord-tenant law. This guide summarizes the current rules on security deposits, notice, entry and disclosures, and lets you download a free PDF pre-filled with New Jersey defaults.
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New Jersey landlord-tenant law at a glance
| Security deposit cap | 1.5 months' rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days (with interest) |
| Entry notice required | 1 day |
| Month-to-month termination | 1 month |
| Late fee rule | 5-day grace period required |
| Rent control | Allowed; many cities (Newark, Jersey City, etc.) |
| Small claims limit | $5,000 |
Mandatory disclosures for New Jersey landlords
- Lead paint
- Truth in Renting
- Window guards
- Flood zone
Landlords who fail to provide a required disclosure expose themselves to statutory damages and can lose their right to evict until the disclosure is corrected.
Security deposit handling
Under New Jersey law, the security deposit is capped at 1.5 months' rent and must be returned within 30 days (with interest) after the tenant vacates the premises, minus any lawful deductions for unpaid rent or damage beyond ordinary wear and tear. A landlord who fails to comply with the statutory deadline may forfeit the right to make any deductions and — in several states — face double or triple damages.
For the full side-by-side, see our security deposit rules by state guide.
Late fees in New Jersey
5-day grace period required. The late fee clause must appear in the signed lease — a landlord cannot impose a fee that was not agreed to in writing. See our late fee clause guide for drafting examples.
Ending a month-to-month tenancy
Either party may end a month-to-month tenancy in New Jersey with 1 month written notice. For cause-based termination (non-payment, lease violations), see our eviction notice guide.
Neighbouring states
Compare rental agreement rules in all 50 US states →
Frequently asked questions
How much security deposit can a landlord charge in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, the statutory limit is 1.5 months' rent. The deposit must be returned within 30 days (with interest) after the tenant vacates and provides a forwarding address.
How much notice is required to end a month-to-month tenancy in New Jersey?
1 month written notice is the standard in New Jersey for either party to end a month-to-month tenancy, subject to any local rent-control rules.
Does New Jersey have rent control?
Allowed; many cities (Newark, Jersey City, etc.).
How much entry notice must a landlord give in New Jersey?
New Jersey requires 1 day of notice before a landlord can enter, except in emergencies.