State law lookup › Security deposits › New Jersey
Security deposits in New Jersey: what the law says
My landlord kept my security deposit
State law
What the statute says
- Deadline to return or itemise
- 30 days
- Statutory damages multiplier
- 2×
- Itemised statement required
- Yes
- Small claims limit
- $5,000
- Code section
- N.J.S.A. § 46:8-21.1
Read it yourself
Official sources. If a number below matters to your case, open the statute and read it — laws get amended, and cities often stack stricter local rules on top.
- N.J.S.A. § 46:8-21.1 — New Jersey security deposit statute
- N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.4 (security-deposit small claims jurisdiction)
Last checked: 2026-08-17
Send this as a certified letter
Jab drafts the letter, a licensed attorney reviews it, and we mail it USPS Certified Mail with a signed return receipt. $29 flat. You can also write it yourself — this page has what you need.
Start my letter →Jab Today is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This page describes how the statutes read, which is a different thing from what will happen in your case. Laws are amended and local ordinances often add stricter rules. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.