New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security deposit limited to 1.5 months rent. Must be returned within 30 days. Interest required annually (rate set by state banking dept). Must be held in interest-bearing NJ bank account.

Month-to-month requires 1 month notice. New Jersey is a strong just-cause-eviction state — landlord generally cannot terminate without cause.

Just cause required for all evictions. Nonpayment: must be 30+ days late, then notice to quit. Various just causes defined by statute. Court filing through Special Civil Part.

Late fee allowed only after 5-day grace period. No statutory cap on amount, but must be reasonable. Some local rent control ordinances may further restrict late fees.

New Jersey requires just cause for termination — one of the strongest tenant protection states. Landlord cannot simply end a tenancy without statutory grounds.

No statewide rent control, but many municipalities have local rent control ordinances. Landlord must comply with local regulations. Proper notice required.

Landlord must maintain premises in habitable condition, comply with building, housing, and health codes. Tenant may withhold rent through court-supervised escrow. Strong tenant protections.

No specific statute on entry notice. Reasonable notice required. Lease should specify. Typically 24 hours recommended. Emergency entry without notice.

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination is among the most protective. Prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income, and nationality.