New Jersey Standard Residential Lease Agreement Template

Maximum Amount: 1.5 months’ rent (§ 46:8-21.2).

• Receipt Required? Yes, within 30 days of receiving the deposit, the landlord must provide a written notice stating the name and address of the financial institution, account type, current interest rate, and total deposit amount (§ 46:8-19)

Return Period: The landlord must return the security deposit, plus accrued interest, within 30 days after the termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession (§ 46:8-21.1). If tenancy terminates due to fire, flood, condemnation, or domestic violence, the return deadline shrinks to 5 business days (§ 46:8-21.1).

• Itemized List Required? Yes. If withholding funds for unpaid rent or actual damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord must send an itemized written accounting via personal delivery or certified/registered mail within the 30-day return window (§ 46:8-21.1).

Flood Risk Disclosure: Prior to lease signing, landlords must state in writing whether the property is in a FEMA 100-year or 500-year flood hazard area and disclose any known flood history (§ 46:8-50). Exemptions apply to owner-occupied premises of no more than three units or properties with no more than two units.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For residential structures constructed before January 1, 1978, landlords must distribute the federal EPA Lead Hazard Pamphlet (PDF) and disclose any known lead-based paint hazards before lease execution (40 CFR § 745.113).

Landlord, Owner, and Manager Identity: Landlords must provide tenants with a written Certificate of Registration detailing the owner’s and managing agent’s legal names, addresses, emergency phone numbers, and maintenance contacts (§ 46:8-28; § 46:8-29). For 1- and 2-unit non-owner-occupied rentals, this statement must also be filed with the municipal clerk.

Security Deposit Bank & Interest Disclosure: Within 30 days of receiving a security deposit, annually, and upon any change to the bank or account, the landlord must issue a written notice specifying the financial institution’s name, branch address, account type, deposit amount, and interest rate (§ 46:8-19).

Truth in Renting Act Statement: Landlords must distribute a copy of the official NJ DCA Truth in Renting Booklet to all tenants at or prior to move-in (§ 46:8-45). Exemptions apply to owner-occupied 1- or 2-unit buildings.

Window Guard Notice: Landlords of multi-family buildings (3+ units) must notify tenants annually in writing of their statutory right to have window guards installed if a child 10 years of age or younger resides in or visits the unit (§ 55:13A-7.14). This notice is included in the New Jersey Standard Lease Template.