🏠 NJ Landlord Compliance Checklist

✅ Required Disclosures

Truth in Renting Act Notice

• Must provide to ALL tenants annually
• NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) document
• Can be delivered via: hand delivery, certified mail, or email with confirmation
• Must use current year's version
• Deadline: Within 30 days of lease start, then annually
• Penalty: Lease may be unenforceable; tenant may withhold rent

Lead Paint Disclosure

• Required for properties built before 1978
• Provide EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home"
• Disclose known lead-based paint hazards
• Include lead warning statement in lease
• Provide any available lead inspection reports
• Document: Keep disclosure forms for 3 years

Window Guard Notice

• Required for multi-family buildings (3+ units)
• Must notify tenants of right to request window guards
• Install if requested by tenant or if children under 10 live in unit
• Provide annual notice
• Deadline: Include in lease or within 30 days of occupancy

Flood Zone Disclosure

• Required if property is in a flood zone
• Disclose flood insurance requirements
• Provide FEMA flood zone information
• Document: Keep signed acknowledgment

Security Deposit Receipt

• Provide written receipt within 30 days of deposit
• Include: bank name, address, account type, interest rate
• Keep: Copy of receipt with tenant signature

💰 Security Deposit Rules

Collection Limits

• Maximum 1.5 months' rent for annual leases
• No limit for month-to-month (but 1.5x is standard)
• Must be deposited in separate, interest-bearing account
• Account must be in NJ bank or credit union
• Account must be FDIC/NCUA insured

Timeline Requirements

Security Deposit Return Checklist

• Itemized list of deductions
• Remaining balance within 30 days
• Forwarding address from tenant
• Photos/video of property condition
• Copy of move-out inspection

🏠 Eviction Notice Requirements

Notice Types & Timeframes

Notice Requirements

• Must be in writing
• Must state specific grounds for eviction (NJ Anti-Eviction Act)
• Must be properly served (personal service or substituted service)
• Cannot use "self-help" (changing locks, shutting off utilities)

Service Methods (In Order)

1. Personal service - Hand to tenant
2. Substituted service - Hand to adult at residence, plus mail copy
3. Posted service - Post on door, plus mail copy (only if first two fail)

Court Process Timeline

Typically 6-10 weeks from notice to lockout:

1. File complaint in Special Civil Part or Law Division
2. Pay filing fee ($50-$200)
3. Serve tenant with summons and complaint
4. Wait for court date (usually 2-4 weeks)
5. Attend hearing with all documentation
6. If granted, obtain warrant of removal
7. Schedule lockout with court officer

📋 Document Retention Guide

Keep Permanently

• Deed and title documents
• Mortgage and loan documents
• Insurance policies (current and past)
• Property tax records
• Major repair/rehabilitation receipts
• Lead paint disclosure records

Keep for 7 Years

• Tax returns and supporting documents
• Depreciation records
• Business expense receipts
• 1099s and W-2s
• Bank statements

Keep for 5 Years After Move-Out

• Lease agreements (expired)
• Move-in/move-out inspection reports
• Security deposit records and receipts
• Rent payment history
• Correspondence with tenants
• Repair requests and receipts
• Eviction records

📅 Annual Compliance Calendar

January

• Review and update lease templates
• Check security deposit interest rates
• Send annual Truth in Renting notices
• Review rent roll and security deposit balances
• Schedule annual inspections

February

• Issue 1099s to contractors
• Prepare tax documents
• Review insurance coverage
• Check smoke/CO detector batteries

March - April

• Property tax assessment review
• Tax filing (April 15)
• Spring maintenance
• HVAC system servicing

May - June

• Lead paint inspection (if required)
• Window safety check
• Mid-year rent review
• Lease renewal offers

July - August

• Heat safety compliance
• Budget review
• Lease renewals for year-end
• Property inspection blitz

September - October

• Fall maintenance checklist
• Gutter cleaning
• Heating system servicing
• Window guard notifications
• Winter safety inspections

November - December

• Annual property inspection completion
• Year-end accounting
• 1099 preparation
• Tax planning with accountant
• Document organization and archiving
• Set goals for next year

🔥 Immediate Action Items

For New Landlords

• Register with municipality (if required)
• Open separate security deposit account
• Obtain Truth in Renting notices from NJ DCA
• Get lead paint disclosure forms
• Review NJ Anti-Eviction Act thoroughly
• Find qualified landlord-tenant attorney
• Join local landlord association

For Every Property

• Verify current Truth in Renting notice provided
• Confirm security deposit properly held
• Check all required disclosures signed
• Test all smoke and CO detectors
• Verify emergency contact info current
• Review insurance coverage adequate

📞 Important Resources