New Jersey Tenants' Rights
A good relationship between a landlord and tenant begins with knowing the rights of both sides. In New Jersey, several legal documents and amendments exist that can help landlords and tenants settle disputes without need of lawyers or judges.
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Security Deposit
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Most leases require that a tenant pay a security deposit before moving in that covers failure to pay rent or damage. It cannot be more than 1 1/2 times the monthly rent and must be kept in a bank. When the tenant vacates the apartment, the landlord must return the deposit, with earned interest, within 30 days.
Rent
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A landlord may not increase the rent until the end of the current lease. The landlord must also provide written notice to the tenant about the lease's end and invite him to sign a new lease with the higher rent. If the landlord does not provide written notice with these details, the rent increase is not considered legal in New Jersey.
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Eviction
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Only a judge can order a legal eviction in New Jersey, and she will do so only if a landlord has valid grounds to evict. Landlords cannot change locks or padlock a tenant's doors, remove his personal property or shut off utilities.
Discrimination
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According to the Fair Housing Act in New Jersey, a landlord cannot discriminate against a potential or current tenant on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religious background, disability or family status. The act covers condos, townhouses, apartments, dormitories, homeless shelters and vacation timeshares.
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References
- Photo Credit loft apartment image by Christopher Martin from Fotolia.com
