📜 State Law Guide • Updated January 2025
New Jersey Landlord Tenant Laws 2025
New Jersey has some of the strongest tenant protections in the US, including the Anti-Eviction Act and local rent control in many cities.
Local Rules
Rent Control
1.5x Rent
Deposit Limit
30 days
Deposit Return
Required
Just Cause
Security Deposit Rules
NJ security deposit laws are strict regarding interest payments and account handling.
- Maximum: 1.5 times one month's rent
- Interest: Mandatory. Must be placed in interest-bearing account or money market fund. Interest paid annually or credited to rent.
- Notification: Must notify tenant of bank name/address/rate within 30 days of receipt.
- Return Deadline: 30 days after lease end (plus interest).
Anti-Eviction Act (Just Cause)
Unlike most states, NJ landlords cannot simply end a tenancy at the end of a lease. They must have "good cause" to evict or non-renew.
Valid Grounds for Eviction:
- Non-payment of rent
- Disorderly conduct
- Property damage
- Breach of lease rules
- Landlord personal use
- Condo conversion
Warning: Owner-occupied premises with 2 or fewer rental units are exempt from the "just cause" requirement.
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