New Jersey Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free New Jersey security deposit demand letter that follows New Jersey law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What New Jersey law says
| Deposit return deadline | Within 30 days after the lease ends, by personal delivery or registered or certified mail: the deposit plus the tenant's share of interest, minus lawful charges. Within 5 business days if the tenant is displaced by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation (and the premises are posted or certified as described in the statute). Within 15 business days when a domestic-violence victim ends the lease under N.J.S.A. 46:8-9.6. Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 |
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| 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. Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 |
| Penalty for withholding | If the tenant wins a suit for the return of the deposit, the court must award double the amount due, plus full court costs. Reasonable attorney's fees are at the court's discretion. 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. Source: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1.
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.