Back to all states
New Jersey Tenant Rights
High-protection state
Just Cause RequiredSOI Protected
Security Deposit Limit
1.5 months
Return: 30 days
Nonpayment Notice
None required
Right to cure: Yes
Just Cause Required
Yes
Key Tenant Rights in New Jersey
- Anti-Eviction Act - good cause required for ALL evictions
- "Pay and Stay" right - 3 days to pay after judgment
- Strong habitability warranty (Marini doctrine)
- Local rent control in 117+ municipalities
- Interest on security deposits required
Rent Control
~117 municipalities have local rent control ordinances
Common Eviction Defenses in New Jersey
Landlord Registration Act violation (defeats eviction)
Missing Notice to Cease when required
Business entity appearing without attorney
Habitability breach (Marini defense)
Acceptance of rent after notice (waiver)
Key Statutes
Landlord-Tenant Law
N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-26
Eviction Procedure
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 (Anti-Eviction Act)
Legal Aid in New Jersey
Legal Services of NJ
888-576-5529
Get Your New Jersey Response Kit
Personalized documents and strategy for your specific situation.
Get Started