Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in New Jersey

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What New Jersey law says

Itemized deductions	Interest and any deductions must be itemized and sent to the tenant by personal delivery or registered or certified mail within the same 30-day period. No deductions may be made from the deposit of a tenant who is still in possession. The statute allows deductions for 'charges expended in accordance with the terms of a contract, lease, or agreement'. The 'normal wear and tear' wording comes from the DCA guide, not the statute text. Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, less deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear and other money due under the lease, with an itemized list of deductions sent by personal delivery, registered, or certified mail. Tenants must return the unit in the condition received except for normal wear and tear and are responsible for damage from malicious or abnormal use. No statute addresses painting, cleaning, or carpet specifically; courts decide case by case whether a condition is normal wear. Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

Itemized deductions

Interest and any deductions must be itemized and sent to the tenant by personal delivery or registered or certified mail within the same 30-day period. No deductions may be made from the deposit of a tenant who is still in possession.

The statute allows deductions for 'charges expended in accordance with the terms of a contract, lease, or agreement'. The 'normal wear and tear' wording comes from the DCA guide, not the statute text.

Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends the landlord must return the deposit plus interest, less deductions for damage beyond normal wear and tear and other money due under the lease, with an itemized list of deductions sent by personal delivery, registered, or certified mail. Tenants must return the unit in the condition received except for normal wear and tear and are responsible for damage from malicious or abnormal use.

No statute addresses painting, cleaning, or carpet specifically; courts decide case by case whether a condition is normal wear.

Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · New Jersey tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.