How long does a New Jersey landlord have to return a security deposit?
In the ordinary case, 30 days after lease termination. The return should include the security deposit plus the tenant's share of interest or earnings, less lawful deductions.
Does the 30-day deadline include interest?
Yes. New Jersey deposit return copy should account for the tenant's share of interest or earnings, not just the original deposit amount.
Can a landlord deduct for ordinary wear and tear?
No. Ordinary wear and tear is not deductible.
What can a landlord deduct?
New Jersey generally allows deductions for property damage beyond ordinary wear and tear and money due under the lease or agreement.
How much can a landlord charge as a security deposit?
Generally, one and one-half months' rent.
Can the landlord raise the deposit every year?
Annual security deposit increases generally cannot exceed 10% of the current deposit.
Does the landlord have to tell me where the deposit is held?
New Jersey has account, institution, and notice rules. Save every account notice, annual interest notice, payment, or credit record. If you never received notices, keep that fact in your evidence file.
What happens if I never received an account notice?
The account/notice issue can matter, including a technical rent-application remedy. It is real, but it can distract from the basic deposit-return path, so handle it carefully and keep the records.
What if the building was sold or foreclosed?
Successor-owner responsibility can matter. Save the lease, deposit receipt, payment proof, sale or management-change notice, and messages from both old and new owners.
Can I get double the deposit back?
A successful New Jersey late-return claim can support double the amount due plus full costs. That is strong leverage, but it depends on a successful claim.
Are attorney's fees automatic?
No. New Jersey source material describes reasonable attorney's fees as discretionary.
What if I left because of domestic violence?
Safe Housing Act domestic-violence terminations can have a 15-business-day special deposit-return rule. Treat this as a sensitive special situation and keep the termination and notice records.
What if I was displaced by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation?
Qualifying displacement events can have a 5-business-day return rule upon tenant request, less proper deductions and with itemization. Keep the official displacement, request, and delivery records.
What if welfare, rental assistance, or a government agency paid my deposit?
Agency-paid deposits can involve additional agency rights or penalties. Treat this as a special overlay and keep agency/program records.
Can I file in New Jersey small claims?
The DCA bulletin says security-deposit disputes not exceeding $5,000, including applicable penalties but not costs, are filed in Small Claims. Over $5,000 but less than $10,000 is Special Civil Part. Confirm current filing details with New Jersey Courts.