Key Takeaways
- A lease agreement in New Jersey must be in writing and specify the parties involved, property details, lease duration, rent amount, security deposit, and respective duties.
- The legal framework for lease agreements in New Jersey encompasses the Residential Tenancy Act, Security Deposit Law, and Anti-Eviction Act.
- Pre-structured New Jersey lease agreement templates provide a convenient framework that caters to your leasing situation, eliminating the need for substantial alterations.
- PandaDoc provides clarity and legal aspects to consider, offering complimentary templates for drafting detailed New Jersey Lease Agreement Templates.
New Jersey Lease Agreement Templates
Residential Lease Agreement
Residential Rental Agreement
Used 5,261 times
Save time and resources by using this customizable residential rental agreement to create legally binding contracts with your tenants. It includes detailed sections about all aspects of a typical tenancy, including terms, responsibilities, rent, duration, insurance, maintenance, and more.
This agreement template spells out all the important details for renting property in New Jersey – like who’s responsible for repairs and how much rent is – so everyone’s on the same page.
New Jersey Apartment Lease
If you’re moving into an apartment complex in New Jersey, this lease agreement covers all the apartment-specific stuff, like parking, shared spaces, and community rules.
New Jersey Room Rental
Need to rent out a room in your New Jersey home? This template helps set the ground rules for sharing space – who pays for what, when guests are allowed, etc.
New Jersey Month-to-Month Lease
Opt for this agreement template in short-term leases in New Jersey. It allows for flexible rental arrangements while maintaining a professional and legally binding contract.
Commercial Lease Agreement
If you’re leasing a space for your business in New Jersey, this agreement covers all the important details, like how much rent you’ll pay, who’s responsible for maintenance, and what you can and can’t do with the property.
Lease to Purchase Agreement
This agreement template gives you the option to buy the property you’re renting later on.
Sublease Agreement
Need to rent out your place for a bit? This agreement helps you do it legally and smoothly.
Understanding New Jersey Rental Laws
Federal, state, and even local laws shape the dynamics of landlord-tenant interactions in New Jersey lease agreements. These laws, which may vary by city, establish the guidelines landlords must follow and provide solutions for handling difficult tenants. Landlords must grasp these rules to avoid severe penalties and potential lawsuits.
| Laws | Name | Description |
| § 13:64-4.1 | General Provisions | It covers key elements such as offer and acceptance, consideration, and parties’ capacity to enter into contracts. |
| § 46:8-45 | Tenant protection | This document outlines tenants’ and landlords’ legal obligations and entitlements regarding rental properties. |
| § 5:28-1 | Habitability and repairs | Addresses the implied warranty of habitability and outlines the tenant’s right to repair and deduct under certain circumstances. |
| § 46:8-19 | Security deposits | Regulates security deposit collection, handling, and return, including maximum allowable amounts and itemized deductions. |
| § 46:8-9.7 | Termination notice | Establish notice requirements for both landlords and tenants terminating lease agreements. |
| § 2A:39-1 | Landlord’s right of entry | Specifies conditions for landlords entering rental units, protecting tenant privacy rights. |
Security Deposit limits
Returns
- Standard Return Time: Landlords have a 30-day window to return the security deposit after the lease ends under New Jersey lease agreement template.
Exceptions
- Domestic Violence: If the lease is terminated due to domestic violence, the return period is shortened to 15 days.
- Displacement: If a tenant is forced to leave due to fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation, the return period is five (5) days.
- Prohibited Occupancy: If a public official declares the property unfit for occupancy, the return period is five (5) days.
- Extended Displacement: If a building inspector certifies that the displacement will exceed seven (7) days, the return period is five (5) days.
Deductions
- Permissible Deductions: Unsettled rent, penalties for late payment, and utility bills
- Damage Expenses: Itemized list required
- Detailed Deductions: Mandatory
- Penalty for Delayed Return: Twice the amount improperly held back, plus legal expenses and attorney fees
Collections & Holdings
- Upper Limit: Equivalent to 1.5 month’s rent
- Receipt Necessity: Mandatory (for cash transactions)
- Inventory Necessity: Not required
- Interest Necessity: Mandatory (or returns from investment)
Eviction Procedures
| Reason for Eviction | Notification Period | Rectifiable |
| Failure to Pay Rent | No Notice Required | Possibly |
| Habitual Late Rent | 30 Days | Yes |
| Lease Termination or Absence of Lease | 30 Days | No |
| Breach of Lease Terms | 30 Days | Yes |
| Unlawful Activities | 3 Days | No |
Right to Enter (Landlord)
Justifiable Grounds for Entry:
- Property Inspections
- Maintenance Work
- Emergency Situations
Notification Requirement:
- Typically, one (1) day’s notice is required, either in writing or verbally.
- No notice is necessary in emergencies.
Consequences for Unlawful Entry:
- Legal Restraining Order
- Compensation for Damages
Disclosures
- Flood Zone Disclosure: State law mandates landlords disclose this fact to tenants in a specific format if the property is in a flood-prone area.
- Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For buildings erected before 1978, landlords are federally required to notify tenants about the possible existence of dangerous lead-based paint.
- Truth in Renting Act: Landlords are obligated to provide each tenant with an annual statement from the Department of Community Affairs detailing the rights and duties of both parties.
- Window Guard Disclosure: The lease agreement must contain a prominently displayed notice informing tenants of their entitlement to request window guards if children (10) years old or younger will live in the unit.
Optional Disclosures
- Asbestos
- Bed Bugs
- Landlord’s Name and Address
- Late/Returned Check Fees
- Medical Marijuana Use
- Mold Disclosure
- Move-In Checklist
- Non-Refundable Fees
- Shared Utility Arrangements
- Smoking
