General accounting period30 days
After lease termination under the ordinary rule.
Property damageBeyond ordinary wear
DCA guidance distinguishes deductible damage from ordinary wear and tear.
Review each deduction separately
- What physical condition is alleged?
- Is it damage beyond ordinary wear?
- What lease balance is claimed?
- Does the statement itemize the amount?
- Do photos, inspections or invoices support the charge?
Check the exact statutory category. New Jersey has special deposit timelines for defined displacement and lease-termination situations. Do not replace the ordinary 30-day rule with a shorter period unless the statutory conditions actually apply.
Official sources
New Jersey Department of Community AffairsN.J.S.A. 46:8-19 through 26 — Security Deposit Law ↗
Official DCA publication of New Jersey’s Security Deposit Law, including the 30-day return rule, 1.5-month cap, interest/trust requirements and special shorter timelines.
New Jersey Department of Community AffairsNew Jersey Security Deposit Bulletin — revised July 2025 ↗Current DCA plain-language bulletin summarizing applicability, deposit amount, interest, return, deductions and special displacement rules.