New Jersey Lease Agreement Templates

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What’s Included in New Jersey Lease Forms

Lease Template Updated December 20, 2024

A residential lease agreement in New Jersey is a vital legal document that clearly defines rental terms, payment details, property rules, and the responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It protects the landlord's interests while ensuring compliance with New Jersey laws.

Our form includes:

Parties Identification

Lease Term

Rent Payment Terms

Security Deposit

Maintenance Responsibilities

State-Specific Disclosures

State-Specific Notices

Disclosures and Addenda for New Jersey

These disclosures and addenda ensure compliance with state laws and protect both landlords and tenants.

Disclosure

Landlord's Name and Address <p>Landlords must disclose their identity and address to tenants. For one- or two-family non-owner-occupied houses, landlords are required to file a registration statement with the clerk of the municipality where the property is located. This statement must be provided to the tenant and posted conspicuously in the building. For buildings with three or more units, the registration statement must be filed with the Bureau of Housing Inspection</p>
Lead Paint - Know Presence <p>Applies to units built before 1978 where the presence of lead paint has been confirmed.</p>
Lead Paint - No Know Presence <p>Applies to units where no evidence of lead paint is present or units built after 1978.</p>
Condition of the Premises <p>It's advisable to include a clause detailing the property's condition at the time of rental. This can be supported by a move-in checklist signed by both parties, documenting the state of the unit to prevent disputes over damages upon move-out.</p>
Late/Returned Fees <p>New Jersey law does not impose a statutory limit on late fees for overdue rent payments. However, any late fee charged must be reasonable and clearly outlined in the lease agreement. For returned checks, landlords may impose a fee, but it must also be reasonable and specified in the lease.</p>
Mold Disclosure <p>New Jersey law does not require landlords to disclose the presence of mold. Nonetheless, maintaining the property to prevent mold growth falls under the landlord's duty to provide habitable premises.</p>
Non-Refundable Fees <p>Landlords must clearly disclose any non-refundable fees in the lease agreement to enforce them</p>
Smoking <p>Landlords are encouraged to specify smoking policies within the lease, indicating whether smoking is permitted and any restrictions or designated areas.</p>
Security Deposit Disclosure <p>•<strong> Amount:</strong> Landlords may collect a security deposit up to one and a half times the monthly rent.<br>•<strong> Interest: </strong>Deposits must be held in an interest-bearing account, with annual interest paid to the tenant.<br>• <strong>Return: </strong>Upon lease termination, the deposit and interest, minus any lawful deductions, must be returned within 30 days. Failure to comply may result in the landlord owing double the amount wrongfully withheld.&nbsp;</p>
Flood Hazard Disclosure <p>If a rental property is situated in a flood zone, landlords are obligated to inform tenants of this fact prior to occupancy. This notification is typically included in the lease agreement.&nbsp;</p>
Radon Disclosure <p>New Jersey law requires landlords to provide a written disclosure to tenants if a property has been tested for radon and the results show elevated levels. Landlords must also furnish a copy of the test results and any mitigation measures taken.</p>
Bed Bugs Disclosure <p>While New Jersey law does not explicitly require landlords to disclose bed bug infestations, they are obligated to maintain rental properties free from pests, including bed bugs.</p>

Addenda

Pet Agreement <p>Outline rules regarding pet types, sizes, behavior, and any associated fees or deposits.</p>
Medical Marijuana <p>New Jersey permits the use of medical marijuana under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. Landlords should clearly state their policies regarding the use and possession of medical marijuana on the premises within the lease agreement, ensuring compliance with state laws while addressing property rules.</p>
Shared Utilities <p>Describe how utility charges are divided among tenants to ensure clarity on financial responsibilities.</p>
Carbon Monoxide Alarm <p>New Jersey law requires the installation of smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms in rental units. Landlords should ensure these devices are properly installed, maintained, and comply with state regulations.</p>

Landlord’s Name and Address

Applicable to all New Jersey rentals.

New Jersey law requires landlords to file a Certificate of Registration with the municipality, listing the property owner, manager, and emergency contact. Under New Jersey Statutes Annotated, Title 46, Section 8-27 (Landlord Identity Disclosure), a copy of this certificate must be given to tenants. 

Landlord Requirements:

  • Register rental properties with local authorities.
  • Provide tenants with a copy of the Certificate of Registration.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

Applicable to New Jersey rentals built before 1978.

In New Jersey, compliance with the federal Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X) is required. Landlords must disclose any known lead-based paint hazards in properties built before 1978 to inform tenants of potential exposure risks. 

Landlord Requirements:

  • Attach a completed lead-based paint disclosure form to the lease agreement.
  • Provide tenants with the EPA-approved pamphlet on the dangers of lead-based paint.
  • Share any available records or reports regarding the presence of lead-based paint or related hazards in the unit.

Condition of the Premises

Guidelines for Maintaining Rental Property Standards

The lease must document the property’s condition to protect both parties, in compliance with New Jersey Statutes § 46:8-19. This ensures clarity on pre-existing issues and responsibilities during and after the lease.

Landlord Requirements:

  • Conduct a pre-move-in property assessment.
  • Provide tenants with a written record of the property’s condition.
  • Maintain essential services and address necessary repairs.

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