New Jersey's ordinary security deposit deadline is straightforward: the landlord generally has 30 days after lease termination to return the security deposit plus the tenant's share of interest or earnings, less lawful deductions.
If the landlord keeps money, the itemized list of interest, earnings, and deductions is due in that same 30-day period.
When the clock starts
The ordinary rule is tied to lease termination. In real life, you should also preserve proof of move-out and possession return:
- move-out date
- key, fob, garage clicker, or access-card return
- landlord, super, concierge, office, mail, or portal confirmation
- current or forwarding address
- photos and messages showing you were out
The cleaner your date record is, the harder it is for the landlord to blur the deadline.
What the landlord must send
Within the 30-day period, the landlord should send either:
- the deposit plus the tenant's share of interest or earnings, or
- an itemized list explaining interest, earnings, deductions, and any refund balance
Delivery records matter. New Jersey source material refers to personal delivery, certified mail, or registered mail. Save envelopes, tracking records, receipts, screenshots, and any response.
Special deadlines
Do not treat these as the ordinary rule, but do not ignore them if they fit your situation:
- Safe Housing Act domestic-violence terminations can have a 15-business-day special return rule.
- Qualifying displacement from fire, flood, condemnation, evacuation, or official occupancy prohibition can have a 5-business-day return rule upon tenant request.
- Agency-paid or government-assistance deposits can involve an additional overlay.
If one of these applies, keep the special notice, request, agency, or displacement documents with your file.
If the deadline was missed
A successful late-return claim can support double the amount due, full costs, and discretionary attorney's fees. That remedy is strongest when you can show:
- the lease-end or move-out timeline
- deposit amount
- interest or earnings issue
- missing or late itemization
- unsupported deductions
- delivery and demand records
Start with a written demand. See the New Jersey demand letter guide.
Official sources
Source reviewed: April 2026.