New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law
New Jersey is a hot spot for those looking to relocate because of the convenience of traveling, extensive beaches, and the top-of-the-line infrastructure. New Jersey is also ideal for property investors. Similar to Maryland, foreclosures are at an all-time high, which is a great opportunity for landlords looking to snag a nice property for cheap. For our recommendations on exactly where to invest in this state, take a look at our New Jersey rental investment report – read below for guidance on New Jersey landlord-tenant law.
Laws that impact the rental market, landlords, and tenants are constantly being decided in states. Make sure you know what’s on your ballot – find New Jersey voting information here.
New Jersey Renters' Rights and Landlord Responsibilities
- Have 30 days to return security deposit
- A 30-day notice required before raising rent
- Reasonable notice required before entering the property
- Required to make repairs within a reasonable amount of time
When it comes to New Jersey rental laws, there are a few specifics landlords need to know:
- Security Deposit – New Jersey limits the amount a landlord may charge for the security deposit to the equivalent of one and a half months’ rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of the tenant moving out.
- Raising Rent – New Jersey allows local jurisdictions to establish rent control policies. Landlords in New Jersey must give a 30-day notice before increasing rent where they are able to.
- Notice of Entry – New Jersey has different notice protocols for different property-entrance purposes.
- Repairs – It is the landlord’s responsibility to keep the rental in safe and healthy living conditions. Landlords must make repairs within a reasonable amount of time after being notified by the tenant. If the landlord fails to make these repairs, the tenant may pay for the repairs and deduct the cost from their future rent payment.
- Rental Applications – Under a law enacted in June 2021, housing providers are prohibited from consideration of any criminal record at the initial rental application stage. Landlords are allowed to consider only certain records after an offer to rent is made, and required to follow substantive and procedural standards for withdrawal of a conditional offer.
New Jersey Landlords' Rights and Tenant Responsibilities
- Not required to issue a notice before filing for eviction
- Must give a one-month notice before terminating a lease
- Tenants must keep the unit in safe and habitable condition
- Has 30 days to claim abandoned property
- Overdue Rent – If a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the landlord may immediately file for eviction.
- Terminating a Lease – If a tenant needs to terminate a month-to-month lease, they must give the landlord one month’s notice.
- Tenant Responsibilities – Tenants are required to keep the property clean and not disturb neighbors.
- Property Abandonment – New Jersey requires landlords to notify a tenant that they have left behind property. Once this notice has been delivered, the tenant has 30 days to claim the property before the landlord may dispose of it however they see fit.
New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law FAQ
Below are answers to some of the most commonly-asked questions when it comes to landlord-tenant laws in New Jersey:
Can You Withhold Rent in New Jersey?
If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, the tenant may pay for those repairs and deduct the price from their future rent payments.
How Long Does it Take to Evict a Tenant in New Jersey?
Evicting a tenant in New Jersey can take anywhere from three weeks to four months, depending on the reason for eviction.
Is New Jersey a Landlord-Friendly State?
New Jersey is not a landlord-friendly state because of the ability of each jurisdiction to set its own rent control laws.
What is the Eviction Process in New Jersey?
There are several reasons a landlord may file for eviction in New Jersey including but not limited to property damage, safety violations, and failure to pay rent. Depending on the violation, the landlord must give the tenant anywhere from 0 to 90 days to cure their violation.
If the tenant fails to cure or quit, then the landlord may file a complaint with the court, which costs $50. After the complaint is filed, it will be served to the tenant before the hearing.
The hearing will then be scheduled within 10 to 30 days after the tenant was served.
If the court rules in favor of the landlord, then a warrant for removal will be issued within three days. Once received, the tenant will need to move out within three days.
How Much Notice Does a Landlord Have to Give a Tenant to Move Out in New Jersey?
Landlords are required to give a 30-day notice before asking a tenant to vacate the property.
Due Diligence and New Jersey Rental Laws
TurboTenant has utilized many municipal sources and official state statutes to compile this information to the best of our ability. However, local laws are constantly in flux, and landlords and tenants alike should do their due diligence and consult legal help when it’s needed. We hope the following list can serve as a valuable resource and allow you to succeed as a landlord or tenant in New Jersey. Be sure to take proper precautions when it comes to finding the top candidates for your unit by utilizing our online rental application and tenant screening services.
Disclaimer: TurboTenant, Inc does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and consult legal counsel should questions arise.
New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law Resources
- Eviction Law
- Truth in Renting Act
- Security Deposit Law
- Landlord Identity Law
- Reprisal Law
- Habitability Bulletin – Landlord-Tenant Law
New Jersey Fair Housing Resources
- Housing Discrimination – Office of the Attorney General
- Tenant Rights, Laws and Protections: New Jersey – HUD
- HUD in New Jersey
Other State Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Information and Laws – State of New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
- Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey
- Truth in Renting – A guide to the rights and responsibilities of residential tenants and landlords in New Jersey – New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
- Landlord Identity Registration Form
New Jersey Associations
New Jersey City-Specific Housing Resources
Newark
- Rent Registration Form – City of Newark
- Rent Control Ordinance – City of Newark
- Rent Control Office – City of Newark
- Housing Code – City of Newark
- North Central New Jersey Association of REALTORS®
Jersey City
- Office of Tenant/Landlord Relations- City of Jersey City
- Division of Housing Code Enforcement – City of Jersey City
Paterson
- Rent Leveling – City of Paterson
- What do I do if the tenant isn’t paying the rent, paying the rent late, or damaging the unit? – Passaic County
- When is the apartment inspected? – Passaic County
Elisabeth
Woodbridge
Lakewood
- Landlord Registration Statement – Township of Lakewood
- Landlord Identification Registration – Township of Lakewood
Toms River
- Landlord Rental Repair Program – Township of Toms River
- When am I Required to File a Landlord-Tenant Registration Form, and is there a Fee? – Township of Toms River
Trenton
Clifton
- What do I do if the tenant isn’t paying the rent, paying the rent late, or damaging the unit? – Passaic County
- When is the apartment inspected? – Passaic County
Camden
Brick
Cherry Hill
Passaic
- What do I do if the tenant isn’t paying the rent, paying the rent late, or damaging the unit? – Passaic County
- When is the apartment inspected? – Passaic County
Federal Fair Housing Resources
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