New Jersey security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 1.5 months of rent
Return deadline: 30 days
Interest: Required in some cases

Capped at 1 1/2 months' rent; added yearly security may not exceed 10% of the current deposit. Held in an interest-bearing NJ account and returned within 30 days after the lease ends. Owner-occupied buildings of 2 or fewer units are exempt unless the tenant gives 30 days' written notice.

Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, 46:8-21.1, 46:8-19 · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$3,750

Up to 1.5 months of rent under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, 46:8-21.1, 46:8-19.

Return deadline

30 days

Within 30 days after the lease ends: the deposit plus interest, less itemized deductions. 5 business days if a fire, flood or condemnation makes the unit uninhabitable for 7 days or more.

Interest required

Yes

In some situations — see the note

New Jersey: Capped at 1 1/2 months' rent; added yearly security may not exceed 10% of the current deposit. Held in an interest-bearing NJ account and returned within 30 days after the lease ends. Owner-occupied buildings of 2 or fewer units are exempt unless the tenant gives 30 days' written notice.

Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, 46:8-21.1, 46:8-19 · read on 2026-11-09

New Jersey: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Jersey?

Up to 1.5 months of rent under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, 46:8-21.1, 46:8-19. Capped at 1 1/2 months' rent; added yearly security may not exceed 10% of the current deposit. Held in an interest-bearing NJ account and returned within 30 days after the lease ends. Owner-occupied buildings of 2 or fewer units are exempt unless the tenant gives 30 days' written notice.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Jersey?

30 days. Within 30 days after the lease ends: the deposit plus interest, less itemized deductions. 5 business days if a fire, flood or condemnation makes the unit uninhabitable for 7 days or more.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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<p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Free <a href="https://www.proprietio.com/tools/security-deposit-calculator">security deposit calculator by state</a> by Proprietio.</p>