Tenant Protections Under New Jersey Law:

Welcome! After many years living in New Jersey and working in the commercial real estate industry, I’ve seen firsthand how important clear communication and trust are between a landlord and a tenant.  Unfortunately, I also frequently hear stories about property owners taking advantage of renters who simply aren't aware of their legal rights.

Unfair practices hurt everyone—they cost hardworking renters their hard-earned money and create unnecessary distrust toward good property owners. I take pride in providing safe, comfortable, and well-maintained homes, and I believe earning your trust starts with transparency.

To help you feel confident and informed as a renter, here is a helpful summary of key tenant protections under New Jersey law that every prospective tenant should know:

APPLICATION FEES:   $50 is the maximum per adult cost that a landlord can charge a prospective tenant in New Jersey. 

SECURITY DEPOSITS: 1.5 times the monthly rent is the maximum amount a landlord can hold as security for an apartment.  No additional security is allowed regardless of what it is called.  This means a landlord is not permitted to additionally take last month's rent, pet deposit, etc. 

NOTICES:  All real estate notices must be in writing to be enforceable. If you are plainning to vacate your apartment at the end of the term, be sure to provide notice to your landlord in writing and on time.  A phone call is not considered legal notice. 

LEASE AGREEMENTS:  Your best protection may be simply to read and make sure you understand your lease - in terms of both the rights and responsiblities of you and your landlord.