Security Deposit Laws in New Jersey
New Jersey caps security deposits at 1.5 months' rent, requires deposits to be held in an interest-bearing account, and requires return with interest within 30 days after the lease ends.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
New Jersey at a glance
- Security deposit limit
- 1.5 months' rent
- Deposit return deadline
- 30 days
- 30 days after lease termination
- Interest on deposits
- Required
- Notice before landlord entry
- 24 hours
- Reasonable notice; ordinarily 1 day for multiple dwellings (regulation)
The rules in New Jersey
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Jersey?
New Jersey limits security deposits to 1.5 months' rent.
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Jersey?
New Jersey rule: 30 days after lease termination.
Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey law requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering a rental in New Jersey?
New Jersey rule: Reasonable notice; ordinarily 1 day for multiple dwellings (regulation).
Where do the New Jersey rules for residential leases come from?
They come from N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 and 2 other sources. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How New Jersey compares
New Jersey is one of 30 jurisdictions that cap deposits by law. Its 30-day return deadline is the same as the most common deadline of 30 days; 15 jurisdictions require a faster return.
What this means in practice
Landlords: state the deposit amount, where it is held and how it will be returned in the lease, and send the refund with any deductions in writing within the deadline.
Tenants: record the unit's condition with photos and a move-in checklist, keep your receipts, and give the landlord a forwarding address in writing when you move out.
Both sides: normal wear and tear is generally not deductible. Disputes over deductions usually go to small claims court.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.