New Jersey Security Deposit Laws 2026
Here's what New Jersey law says about security deposit returns, deadlines, and penalties. All information is sourced from NJ Rev. Stat. § 46:8-19 to § 46:8-26.
Return Deadline
30 calendar days
from move-out date to return your deposit
Penalty for Violations
Up to 2x your deposit amount
Requires a finding of bad faith by the landlord.
Deposit Cap
Maximum security deposit: 1.5 months rent
Itemization Requirements
- Itemized statement required: Yes
- Itemization deadline: 30 days
- Receipts required: No
Interest Requirements
Interest on your deposit is required (rate varies).
Statute of Limitations
- Written lease: 6 years
- Oral lease: 6 years
Small Claims Court
Maximum claim: $5,000
Attorney fee shifting available — you may recover attorney fees if you win.
Primary Statute
Important Exceptions & Edge Cases
NJ Rev. Stat. § 46:8-19: Landlords with 10+ units must hold deposit in account earning interest at or above the money market rate. All landlords must hold in interest-bearing account or invest in money market fund. Must pay tenant interest annually.
Think your landlord violated New Jersey law?
Generate a demand letter that cites NJ Rev. Stat. § 46:8-19 to § 46:8-26 and puts your landlord on notice.
This is not legal advice. Reclaim provides legal information and document generation tools. The information on this page is sourced from NJ Rev. Stat. § 46:8-19 to § 46:8-26 and is current as of January 1, 2019. For specific legal questions, consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey.