Security Deposit Return

N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

Within 30 days after termination of the tenant's lease or licensee's agreement, the landlord must return the security deposit plus the tenant's portion of accrued interest or earnings, less any lawful deductions, by personal delivery or registered/certified mail, accompanied by an itemized statement of the interest/earnings and deductions. The statute also sets shortened return deadlines for tenants displaced by fire, flood, condemnation, or evacuation (and for certain domestic-violence lease terminations) and authorizes civil penalties for willful withholding of state-funded deposits. In any action to recover moneys due, a court finding for the tenant must award double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus full costs and, in the court's discretion, reasonable attorney's fees.