ReclaimDepositNew Jersey Security Deposit Laws (2026)
Key rules for deadlines, penalties, and documentation requirements, with direct links to the official statute.
Deadline
30 days
30 days after termination of tenancy or delivery of premises, whichever is later
Penalty
2x
2x wrongfully withheld amount + attorney fees
Small claims limit
$5,000
Small Claims Section (Special Civil Part, Superior Court)
Requirements
Move-in checklistNot required
Pre move-out inspectionNot required
Certified mailNot required
Forwarding addressNot required
Notes
- Deposit limited to 1.5 months' rent maximum
- Must be held in interest-bearing NJ bank account
- Annual interest required at rate set by NJ Commissioner of Banking
- Interest must be paid to tenant annually or credited to rent
- 2x penalty + attorney fees for wrongful withholding
Citations
Quick references pulled from our shared state law dataset. Always verify against the official statute.
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 - Landlord must return deposit within 30 days with itemized statement
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 - Landlord must provide written itemization of deductions
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 - Cannot deduct for normal wear and tear
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 - Wrongful withholding = 2x amount + attorney fees
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2 - Annual interest required at rate set by NJ Commissioner of Banking
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 - Must be held in NJ bank or savings institution bearing interest
Next steps
Use free tools to estimate your deadline and prepare a demand letter.