State-Specific Tenant Protections

New Jersey Tenant Rights & Protections

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.) prohibits housing discrimination and is enforced by the NJ Division on Civil Rights (FHAP agency). The Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) provides strong tenant protections by limiting eviction to specific enumerated causes. Security deposits are capped at 1.5 months' rent and must be held in an interest-bearing account. Many NJ municipalities have rent control ordinances. Retaliatory eviction is prohibited; landlords cannot evict tenants for exercising legal rights or reporting code violations.

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Key Protections

What New Jersey Law Protects

Security Deposit Limit

1.5 months' rent

Eviction Notice Minimum

30 days

Retaliation Presumption

Protected (no set period)

Rent Control

Yes (statewide or local)

Fair Housing Protections

New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (Housing Provisions)

N.J. Stat. Ann. §§ 10:5-1 to 10:5-50

Protected Classes

RaceCreedColorNational originNationalityAncestryMarital statusDomestic partnership/civil union statusFamilial statusSex (including pregnancy)Gender identity or expressionAffectional or sexual orientationDisability (mental and physical)AIDS/HIV statusSource of lawful income

Filing Information

Filing Agency

New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or direct filing in Superior Court

Filing Deadline

180 days (DCR administrative) or 2 years (direct court filing)

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Key Provisions

  • One of the broadest fair housing laws in the nation with extensive protected classes
  • No cap on compensatory or punitive damages — among the most powerful remedies available
  • No requirement to file with an administrative agency before suing — direct court filing allowed
  • Source of income protections bar landlords from refusing housing voucher holders
  • DCR investigates complaints and may pursue enforcement actions

Available Remedies

  • Compensatory damages (actual losses, emotional distress — no cap)
  • Punitive damages (no cap)
  • Injunctive relief (stop discriminatory practice, restore tenancy)
  • Attorney's fees and court costs
  • Civil penalties up to $10,000 (first), $25,000 (second within 5 years), $50,000 (third within 7 years)
Tenant Protection Laws

Additional New Jersey Tenant Protections

New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-61.1 et seq.

The New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act provides some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation by requiring landlords to demonstrate "good cause" before evicting a residential tenant. The Act enumerates specific grounds for eviction and prohibits landlords from removing tenants except for the listed reasons. It also includes protections against retaliatory eviction.

  • Landlord must demonstrate one of the enumerated grounds (good cause) for eviction
  • Retaliatory eviction is not a valid ground — provides strong anti-retaliation protection
  • Tenants cannot be evicted at lease expiration without good cause
  • One of the strongest tenant eviction protection statutes in the nation
Important Deadlines

Filing Deadlines in New Jersey

Missing a deadline can forfeit your legal claim. Know your windows.

Law / AgencyDeadlineFiled With
Federal Fair Housing Act (HUD)300 daysHUD (via state FHAP agency)
Federal Fair Housing Act (Court)2 yearsFederal or state court
NJ LAD Housing180 days (DCR administrative) or 2 years (direct court filing)New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) or direct filing in Superior Court

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Legal Disclaimer

This page provides general legal information about New Jersey tenant rights for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Laws change frequently; verify current statutes with your state agency or a qualified attorney. If you believe your rights have been violated, consult a licensed landlord-tenant attorney in New Jersey.