New Jersey Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Types (6)

Commercial

For leasing retail, office, industrial, or other commercially-zoned property to a business or franchise owner under a fixed term.

Lease-to-Own

A rental agreement that gives the tenant the option — not the requirement — to purchase the property at a set price after an initial lease period.

Month-to-Month

A short-term tenancy that renews each month and can be ended by either party with at least 1 month’s written notice.

Roommate

Helps co-tenants in a shared rental agree on cleaning schedules, guest policies, quiet hours, and how to handle shared bills.

Standard (Residential)

The primary lease form for residential rentals in New Jersey, typically lasting 1 year and subject to the state’s tenant protection laws.

Sublease

Used when a tenant needs to bring in a replacement occupant for part or all of the time left on their lease, with the landlord’s approval.

What is a New Jersey Lease Agreement?

A New Jersey lease agreement is a contract that puts a landlord-tenant arrangement into legally binding terms. It specifies each party’s obligations and serves as the enforceable record of the rental.

New Jersey’s Anti-Eviction Act gives residential tenants some of the strongest protections in the country, limiting the grounds on which a landlord can remove a tenant to specific statutory causes. The state also requires landlords to provide a truth-in-renting statement that summarizes tenants’ rights at the start of every lease.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: N.J.S.A. Title 46, Ch. 8 – Landlord and Tenant

Guides:

• New Jersey Truth in Renting Guide (PDF)
• Tenants’ Rights in New Jersey (PDF)
• Information for Residential Tenants (PDF)

When is Rent Due?

New Jersey does not specify a default rent due date by statute. The lease agreement determines when rent is due. There is no state-mandated grace period, and late fees are not capped by statute but must be specified in the lease.

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: Landlords may enter the rental unit without notice when there is an immediate threat to the health or safety of tenants.[1]

Non-Emergency: Landlords must provide at least 1 day’s notice before entering the unit for inspection or maintenance purposes.[2]

Landlord’s Duties

Under New Jersey law, landlords must:

• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building, housing, and health codes.
• Repairs: Make all necessary repairs to keep the dwelling fit and habitable.
• Common Areas: Keep shared areas clean and in a safe condition.
• Systems: Maintain all electrical, plumbing, heating, and sanitary systems in good working order.
• Water & Heat: Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water and heat.

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants must comply with the following:

• Building Codes: Comply with all applicable building and housing codes relating to health and safety.
• Cleanliness: Keep the rental unit clean and sanitary.
• Trash: Dispose of garbage in a safe and sanitary manner.
• Appliances & Systems: Use all fixtures and appliances in the manner they are intended.
• Property Care: Do not deliberately or negligently damage any part of the premises.
• Quiet Enjoyment: Do not disturb other tenants’ peaceful enjoyment of the premises.

Required Disclosures

Truth in Renting Act (§ 46:8-46): Landlords of buildings with more than 2 rental units must distribute the current annual statement by the NJ Department of Community Affairs regarding the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords. The statement must also be made available in the building.[3]

Flood Zone Disclosure (§ 46:8-50): Landlords must disclose if the rental property is located in a flood zone or flood area.[4]

Window Guards (§ 55:13A-7.14): Landlords of multiple dwelling units must inform tenants in writing of their right to request the installation of window guards.[5]

Lead-Based Paint: Required under federal law for all dwellings built before 1978. The landlord must disclose known lead hazards and provide the EPA information pamphlet.[6]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: The security deposit cannot exceed 1.5 months’ rent. After the first year, the landlord may increase the deposit annually by no more than 10% of the current amount.[7]

Returning to Tenant: The deposit must be returned within 30 days after the tenancy ends. If any portion is withheld, the landlord must provide a written itemized list of deductions.[8]

Deposit Interest: Required. Landlords must deposit the security in an interest-bearing account and pay interest or earnings to the tenant annually.[9]

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may deduct for:[8]

• Unpaid rent
• Damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear