New Jersey caps a residential security deposit at 1.5 times one month's rent, and any later additional deposit may rise by no more than 10% per year. After a tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus the tenant's interest, minus itemized deductions, within 30 days. Wrongful withholding exposes the landlord to double damages.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, an owner "may not require more than a sum equal to 1 1/2 times 1 month's rental" as a deposit, and additional security collected later "shall not be greater than 10 percent of the current security deposit" annually. The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account, with the interest belonging to the tenant (46:8-19). Under 46:8-21.1, within 30 days after the lease terminates the landlord must return the deposit plus the tenant's share of interest, "less any charges expended," by personal delivery or certified mail, and "the interest or earnings and any such deductions shall be itemized." Deposits drop to five business days where a tenant is displaced by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, in a tenant's successful action for return of the deposit the court "shall award recovery of double the amount of said moneys, together with full costs of any action and, in the court's discretion, reasonable attorney's fees." A landlord who fails to invest the deposit or send required notices lets the tenant apply the deposit plus 7% interest to rent (46:8-19).
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth Ch. 8.48 prohibits keeping any animal that creates noise disturbance audible across a residential property line. Dogs must be licensed annually und...
Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth Ch. 8.48 prohibits construction noise between 7:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays. No construction before 9:00 a.m. on Sundays or legal holidays. E...
Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth Ch. 8.48 (Noise Control) prohibits excessive, unnecessary, or unusually loud noise that disturbs the comfort, repose, health, peace, or safety of r...
Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth zoning limits commercial vehicles in residential zones to one truck or van not exceeding 5,000 lbs gross weight, which must be stored in a garage. ...
Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth regulates street parking under Title 10 (Vehicles and Traffic). The Elizabeth Parking Authority manages metered lots and permits ($150/month). Time...
Elizabeth, NJ
Elizabeth zoning limits RV, trailer, or boat storage in residential zones to one vehicle not exceeding 25 feet in length, stored only in a rear yard. No RV s...
See how Elizabeth's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.