General info, not legal advice. Details

New Jersey Deposit return deadline

Last reviewed 2026-10-23

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

Within 30 days after the tenant moves out: return the deposit plus interest, less itemized deductions. A tenant who wins in court gets double the amount owed, plus costs.

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 · last checked 2026-10-23

How this works in New Jersey

New Jersey gives you 30 days after the tenant moves out to return the deposit plus interest, less itemized deductions, by personal delivery, registered mail, or certified mail. A tenant who wins in court gets double the amount owed, plus costs.

Worked example for New Jersey

Example: A tenant moves out on April 30, 2026. The deposit plus interest, less itemized deductions, is due within 30 days, by May 30, 2026, by personal delivery, registered mail, or certified mail. If the tenant wins in court, the tenant gets double the amount owed, plus costs.

New Jersey timelines and limits

Return deadlineWithin 30 days after the tenant moves out: the deposit plus interest, less itemized deductions
How to return itPersonal delivery, registered mail, or certified mail
If the tenant wins in courtDouble the amount owed, plus costs

New Jersey FAQ

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

Within 30 days after the tenant moves out, plus interest, less itemized deductions, under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1.

How do I send the deposit back?

By personal delivery, registered mail, or certified mail.

What if the tenant wins in court?

The tenant gets double the amount owed, plus costs.

Sources for this section: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 (checked 2026-10-23)

This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.

Related New Jersey rules

Security deposit limit

No more than 1.5 times one month's rent. Any additional deposit collected each year may not exceed 10% of the current deposit.

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Jersey security deposit limit page

Interest on deposits

Required. Deposits must be held in trust in an interest-bearing account at a New Jersey bank (or, for 10+ units, an insured NJ money market fund or variable-rate account). Interest belongs to the tenant and is paid in cash or credited to rent yearly. Written notice of the bank, amount, account type and rate is due within 30 days and at each annual payment.

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Jersey interest on deposits page

Move-in/move-out checklist

There is no New Jersey statute requiring a move-in inspection or condition checklist. keyword search of N.J.S.A. 2A:18, 2A:42 and 46:8 (official download through P.L.2026, c.50). The security deposit law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 et seq.) governs deposits but does not require a checklist; documenting condition is still wise.

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Jersey move-in/move-out checklist page

Abandoned property

Property left behind may be disposed of only under the Abandoned Property Law: written notice by certified or receipted first-class mail, after a warrant for removal is executed or the tenant gives written notice of leaving. Unclaimed property may then be sold, or destroyed if worth too little to store and sell.

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:18-72 to -84 · last checked 2026-10-23 · Full New Jersey abandoned property page

Same topic in neighboring states

All New Jersey landlord-tenant law · New Jersey landlord FAQ · Security deposit limit · Notice to enter · Required lease disclosures · Required disclosures (mold, lead, radon, bedbug, asbestos, flood zone) · Move-in checklist

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