🏙️ New Jersey Lease Termination Laws
Complete guide to ending a lease in New Jersey, including notice requirements, eviction procedures, and tenant rights under the Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1).
Overview of New Jersey Lease Termination Laws
New Jersey landlord-tenant law is governed by the Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.), which provides some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation. Unlike most states, New Jersey requires landlords to have “good cause” to evict – they cannot simply terminate a lease or refuse to renew without a legally recognized reason.
New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act applies to most residential tenancies and restricts evictions to specific grounds. This makes New Jersey one of the most tenant-friendly states in the country.
Good Cause Required
Landlords must have a valid legal reason to evict.
1 Month Non-Payment
Notice period for unpaid rent (after demand).
Anti-Eviction Act
Strongest tenant protections in the nation.
1.5 Month Max Deposit
Security deposit limited to 1.5 months’ rent.
Limited Rent Control
Some municipalities have rent control.
Strict Procedures
Detailed eviction process required.
📋 Primary Legal Authority
New Jersey lease termination is governed by N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq. (Anti-Eviction Act), N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2 (security deposits), and local rent control ordinances. Key sections include N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 (grounds for eviction) and N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2 (notice requirements).
⚠️ Good Cause Eviction State
New Jersey is a “good cause” eviction state. Landlords cannot terminate a tenancy or refuse to renew a lease without one of the specific grounds listed in the Anti-Eviction Act. This is unlike most states where periodic tenancies can be terminated without reason.
Notice Requirements for Lease Termination
| Ground for Eviction | Notice Required | Details | Legal Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Payment of Rent | 1 Month | After demand for rent | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(a) |
| Disorderly Conduct | 3 Days | Notice to cease | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(b) |
| Substantial Violation | 1 Month | After notice to cease | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(d) |
| Owner-Occupancy | 2 Months | Good faith requirement | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(l) |
| Conversion/Demolition | 18 Months | Special requirements | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(k) |
Non-Payment of Rent
Landlords must first demand rent in writing. If rent remains unpaid for one month after the demand, the landlord may file for eviction. The court may still give tenants additional time to pay.
Material Lease Violations
For substantial violations of the lease, landlords must first provide notice to cease the violation. If the violation continues, eviction may proceed after proper notice periods.
🔍 Screen Tenants to Avoid Termination Issues
Find reliable tenants from the start with comprehensive background checks.
New Jersey Lease Termination Forms & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a landlord refuse to renew a lease in New Jersey?
Unlike most states, New Jersey landlords cannot simply refuse to renew a lease or terminate a periodic tenancy without cause. The Anti-Eviction Act requires specific legal grounds for any eviction or non-renewal.
What is the maximum security deposit in New Jersey?
New Jersey limits security deposits to 1.5 months’ rent. The deposit must be held in an interest-bearing account, and interest must be paid annually to the tenant.
Does New Jersey have rent control?
New Jersey allows municipalities to enact rent control ordinances. Many cities, including Newark, Jersey City, and others, have some form of rent control. Check local ordinances for specific rules.
🔍 Start with Better Tenant Selection
Most lease termination problems can be avoided by choosing the right tenants.
📋 Legal Disclaimer
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. New Jersey has complex landlord-tenant laws with strong tenant protections. Always verify current requirements and consult with a licensed New Jersey attorney before taking legal action. This guide was last updated 2025.
