N.J. DCA Landlord/Tenant Information Series — Security Deposit Law

46:8-21.1 Return of deposit; displaced tenant; termination of lease; civil penalties, certain.
Within 30 days after the termination of the tenant's lease or licensee's agreement, the owner
or lessee shall return by personal delivery, registered or certified mail the sum so deposited plus
the tenant's portion of the interest or earnings accumulated thereon, less any charges expended in
accordance with the terms of a contract, lease, or agreement, to the tenant or licensee, or, in the
case of a lease terminated pursuant to P.L.1971, c.318 (C.46:8-9.1), the executor or administrator
of the estate of the tenant or licensee or the surviving spouse of the tenant or licensee so
terminating the lease. The interest or earnings and any such deductions shall be itemized and the
tenant, licensee, executor, administrator or surviving spouse notified thereof by personal
delivery, registered or certified mail. Notwithstanding the provisions of this or any other section
of law to the contrary, no deductions shall be made from a security deposit of a tenant who
remains in possession of the rental premises.

Within five business days after:

a. the tenant is caused to be displaced by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation, and

b. an authorized public official posts the premises with a notice prohibiting occupancy; or