New Jersey security-deposit return deadline

Under N.J. Stat. §46:8-21.1, you have 5–30 days from move-out. Enter the date the tenant vacated to get your exact deadlines.

Deadlines per N.J. Stat. §46:8-21.1. New Jersey statutes change; verify with the current statute. Not legal advice.

What N.J. Stat. §46:8-21.1 requires

  • Return deadline: 5–30 days
    • 30 days Standard
    • 15 days Lease terminated for domestic violence. Business days
    • 5 days Displacement by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation. Business days
  • Deposit cap: 1.5 months' rent — Additional annual deposit collections limited to 10% of the current deposit
  • Refund plus tenant's share of accrued interest, sent by personal delivery, registered, or certified mail
  • Deductions must be itemized in the same notice
  • Violation: liable for 2x the amount due plus costs and attorneys' fees

Statutes as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of N.J. Stat. §46:8-21.1 before relying on a deadline. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a New Jersey attorney for your situation.

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