New Jersey Residential Lease/Rental Agreement

Regardless of your state, Federal law mandates all state Lease/Rental Agreements contain certain information. For example, all agreements should include:

1. The contact information and details of both landlord and tenant,
2. The address of the property,
3. Pet prohibitions or allowances,
4. Information and disclosures concerning safety and health hazards,
5. The amount of security deposit and rent due

States will often differ on certain leasing and rental requirements, so it is important to familiarize yourself with your state’s laws.

Some states may impose stricter right of entry laws for a landlord, while others may allow landlords to enter without giving any proper notice. Becoming acquainted with New Jersey’s specific laws will help you create a comprehensive and complete rental agreement and protect your legal and financial rights.

Other New Jersey Real Estate documents you might be interested in are:

• Sublease Agreement –  Used by a tenant to rent out all or part of their rented property to a new tenant.
• Eviction Notice – Used by a landlord to start the eviction process with a current tenant.

Table of Contents

• New Jersey Residential Lease Agreement Sample
• New Jersey Landlord and Tenant Laws

1. New Jersey Residential Lease Agreement Sample

The sample lease agreement below describes a contract between “Landlord” Kyle Bennet and “Tenant” Henry Cho. He agrees to rent a condominium in Newark for $900.00 per month on a month-by-month basis beginning on June 27, 2017. The tenant agrees to pay for all utilities and services for the Premises.

This is a good example of what provisions a simple lease agreement might contain, and how one should look in its final form.

2. New Jersey Landlord and Tenant Laws

New Jersey imposes specific and distinct requirements for landlords and tenants when executing a Lease/Rental Agreement. For example, New Jersey statute provides for the following:

Security Deposit:

1. A landlord may request up to one and one-half month’s rent from a tenant as a security deposit. (§§ 46:8-21.2)
2. A landlord is required to return the security deposit to the tenant within thirty (30) days of the end or termination of the lease. (§§ 46:8-21.1)

Landlord Right of Entry:

1. Although there is no statutory requirement for notice, a landlord must provide “reasonable notification” to the tenant before entering the premises in case of a non-emergency. (New Jersey – Right of Entry Bulletin)

Additionally, New Jersey law requires:

Utilities:

1. From October 1 to May 1 of each year, every unit and habitable room of the property must maintain a temperature of at least sixty-eight (68) degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M, and at minimum sixty-five (65) degrees Fahrenheit between 11:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M. (§§ 5:10-14.4(a))

Crime Insurance:

1. A landlord shall provide tenant(s) information about crime insurance through the Federal Crime Insurance Program and inform them where applications for such insurance may be obtained. (§§ 46:8-39)

Further Contact Details:

1. At the beginning of the tenancy, the landlord must file with the clerk of the municipality a certificate of registration with the name and address of the owner, or managing agents of the property. (§§ 46:8-28)