New Jersey Deposit Interest Rules
interest requiredNew Jersey is one of 14 US jurisdictions that require landlords to pay interest on security deposits in covered rentals — the FAQ below covers which tenancies qualify. If your lease is silent about interest, the statutory obligation still applies where it covers you.
Educational information: generated from our New Jersey law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How New Jersey compares
14 of 51 US jurisdictions require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Here is how New Jersey compares with other states in our database.
| State | Deposit Interest Rules |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | interest required |
| New Mexico | interest required (amounts over 1 month on longer leases) |
| New York | interest required (buildings with 6+ units) |
| North Carolina | no interest required |
| North Dakota | interest required (leases of 9+ months) |
Frequently asked questions
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in New Jersey?
- Yes — New Jersey law requires interest on held security deposits in covered rentals. Maximum 1.5 months rent. Must be held in interest-bearing account at NJ institution. Interest paid annually to tenant. Return within 30 days (5 business days for disasters). Landlords with 10+ units have special investment requirements.
- How large can the deposit itself be in New Jersey?
- New Jersey generally allows at most 1.5 months' rent as a security deposit.
- When do I get my security deposit back in New Jersey?
- Generally within 30 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.
Check Your Lease Against New Jersey Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with New Jersey law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More New Jersey lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in New Jersey for your specific situation.