New Jersey Rental Laws
Your New Jersey Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.
Official Website of the State of New Jersey
The United States Census Bureau estimates that the population of New Jersey was 8,938,175 on July 1, 2014, a 1.66% increase since the 2010 United States Census
The State of New Jersey has 21 counties.
State Rules and Regulations
- Keys Laws Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
- New Jersey Residential Landlord and Tenant Code
- Local Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections
- New Jersey Landlord Tenant Handbook
Important Lease Terms
Security Deposits
- Amount: 1 and a half months
- Return Deadline: 30 days; five days in case of fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation; does not apply to owner-occupied building with two or fewer units where tenant fails to provide 30 days’ written notice to landlord invoking provisions of act
Fees and Notice:
- Applications Fees: No Restrictions
- Termination Notice: 3 days; lease must specify which violations will result in eviction. (Some courts have ruled that the tenant be given an opportunity to cure the violation or condition any time up to the entry of judgment in favor of the landlord.)
- Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes or repair and deduct
Landlord Disclosures
- New Jersey Required Landlord Disclosures
- The Lead Disclosure Rule – Federal law requires that before signing a lease for housing built before 1978, renters must receive The Lead Based Paint EPA Disclosure and Lead Based Paint EPA Pamphlet
Real Estate Links
- New Jersey Real Estate Commission
- New Jersey Verify Real Estate Agent License
- Verify RE Agent License Nationwide and Canada
Federal Government
- Fair Credit Reporting Act – Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
- Fair Housing Act – The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children
Credit Reports
Tenant Screening
- Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices
- Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Counties Provided: Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Ocean, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, Warren
Last Updated: April 15, 2020