New Jersey requires protected holding and annual payment or credit of deposit earnings. The ordinary refund period is 30 days after termination. Cap and special-case deadlines need full extraction.
Last verified: 2026-10-10
Max deposit
—
no statutory cap
Return deadline
30
days after tenancy ends
Interest required
Yes
paid to tenant
Separate account
Required
Maximum Security Deposit
No statutory maximum
Cap requires verification from the full official Security Deposit Law.
Return Deadline
30 days
After lease termination; special displacement/early-termination deadlines require full law review.
Interest on Deposit
Required
Actual statutory earnings paid/credited annually; 7% is a noncompliance remedy, not the ordinary deposit rate.
Separate Account Required
Required
Deposit/investment held for tenant under statutory requirements; written account/institution/rate/amount disclosures; owner-occupied small-property exception needs review.
⚖️ Permitted Deductions
Allowable charges under official law; full detailed deduction restrictions need review.
📋 Official Source
The information on this page is sourced from the primary New Jersey statute. Always verify against the current official text before making decisions.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Jersey?
New Jersey does not set a statutory maximum for security deposits. Landlords and tenants may agree to any amount in the lease. Cap requires verification from the full official Security Deposit Law.
How long does a landlord have to return the security deposit in New Jersey?
New Jersey landlords must return the security deposit — or provide a written itemized statement of deductions — within 30 days after the tenancy ends. After lease termination; special displacement/early-termination deadlines require full law review.
Does New Jersey require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
Yes. New Jersey requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Actual statutory earnings paid/credited annually; 7% is a noncompliance remedy, not the ordinary deposit rate.
Must New Jersey landlords keep security deposits in a separate bank account?
Yes. New Jersey requires landlords to hold security deposits in a separate account. Deposit/investment held for tenant under statutory requirements; written account/institution/rate/amount disclosures; owner-occupied small-property exception needs review.
Automate security deposit compliance
Property management software handles deposit tracking, deadline reminders, itemized deduction statements, and compliant separate account requirements automatically — so you never miss a New Jersey deadline.
This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Security deposit laws change — always verify the current statute or consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey before making decisions. Official source: https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/sdepsit_law.pdf. Last reviewed: 2026-10-10.