New Jersey Residential Lease Agreement

This Residential Lease Agreement (the "Lease") is made on [[Lease Date]] by and between:

Landlord: [[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]]
Landlord Address for Notices: [[Landlord Mailing Address]], [[City]], New Jersey [[ZIP Code]]
Phone: [[Landlord Phone]] | Email: [[Landlord Email]]

and

Tenant(s): [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]] (jointly and severally, "Tenant")
Tenant Current Address (if different): [[Current Address]]

Premises: The residential dwelling unit located at [[Full Premises Address, including apartment/unit number if applicable]], [[City]], New Jersey [[ZIP Code]] (the "Premises"), together with any assigned parking, storage, and included appliances/furnishings listed in Exhibit A.

Landlord leases the Premises to Tenant, and Tenant leases the Premises from Landlord, on the terms set forth below., -

1. Term

The initial term of this Lease is [[Lease Term Length, e.g., 12 months]], beginning on [[Lease Start Date]] (the "Commencement Date") and ending on [[Lease End Date]].

If the tenancy continues after the initial term without a new written agreement, it shall convert to a month-to-month tenancy on the same terms, subject to the notice and good cause requirements of New Jersey law (including the Anti-Eviction Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1)., -

2. Rent

Tenant shall pay monthly Rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], due in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g., 1st]] day of each month.

Payment Method and Address: Rent shall be paid to Landlord by [[Check / Money Order / Electronic / Other]] at [[Payment Address or Online Portal Details]].

First month's rent and any prorated rent for a partial first month are due upon signing. Prorated rent shall be calculated on a 30-day basis., -

3. Late Fees and Returned Payments

Rent is considered late if not received by Landlord within the applicable grace period. Pursuant to New Jersey law and the terms of this Lease, a late fee not to exceed five percent (5%) of the monthly rent may be charged after a five (5) day grace period.

Grace Period: [[5 business days or as stated]] after the due date.

Late Fee: $[[Calculated Amount or 5% of Monthly Rent]] if rent is received after the grace period.

A fee of $[[Returned Payment Fee]] applies to any check or payment returned for insufficient funds or other reason.

Acceptance of late rent or partial payment does not waive Landlord's rights or reinstate a tenancy after notice has been served., -

4. Security Deposit

Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]] (not to exceed one and one-half (1.5) months' rent under N.J.S.A. 46:8-19).

The security deposit shall be held by Landlord in a separate interest-bearing account in a New Jersey bank or other institution. Landlord shall notify Tenant in writing of the name and address of the institution and the current interest rate within thirty (30) days of receipt of the deposit.

Interest: Interest earned belongs to Tenant and shall be paid or credited annually or upon termination as required by law.

Return: Within thirty (30) days after Tenant vacates the Premises and provides a forwarding address, Landlord shall return the deposit (plus interest) or provide an itemized written statement of any deductions with supporting receipts or invoices. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, damage beyond ordinary wear and tear, and cleaning to restore move-in condition (per inventory).

Tenant may not apply the security deposit as last month's rent., -

5. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall pay for: [[List, e.g., electricity, gas, water/sewer (if separately metered), cable, internet]]

Landlord shall pay for: [[List, e.g., trash, common area utilities if applicable]]

Tenant shall place all tenant-paid utilities in Tenant's name effective on the Commencement Date and maintain service throughout the tenancy. Tenant shall not allow utilities to be disconnected., -

6. Occupants, Guests, and Use of Premises

The Premises shall be occupied only by Tenant and the following additional permitted occupants: [[List Names and Relationships or "None"]].

Maximum number of occupants: [[Number]].

Guests staying more than [[Number, e.g., 14]] consecutive days or [[Number]] total days in any calendar year require Landlord's prior written consent. Unauthorized occupants may constitute a breach.

Tenant shall use the Premises solely as a private residence and shall comply with all applicable laws, ordinances, and the Rules attached as Exhibit B., -

7. Pets

Pet Policy: [[No pets / One dog or cat under [[Weight]] lbs / Other, describe policy]].

Any permitted pet must be listed: [[Pet Type, Breed, Weight, Name]].

Tenant is responsible for all damage, odors, noise, or waste caused by any animal. An assistance animal required by law for a disability will be permitted upon reasonable documentation; no pet fee or deposit applies to qualified assistance animals., -

8. Smoking

Smoking Policy: [[No smoking of any kind inside the Premises or within [[Number]] feet of entrances / Smoking permitted only in designated outdoor areas]].

Tenant is responsible for all damage, odors, or residue caused by smoking., -

9. Parking and Vehicles

Assigned Parking: [[Number of spaces / Location / "None, street parking only"]].

Only operable, registered, and insured vehicles may be parked in assigned spaces. Inoperable vehicles, vehicles leaking fluids, or vehicles violating rules may be towed at owner's expense after any notice required by law., -

10. Landlord's Maintenance Obligations

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition in compliance with all applicable housing and building codes. Landlord shall keep in good working order the structural components, roof, plumbing, electrical, heating, and any appliances or systems provided by Landlord., -

11. Tenant's Maintenance Obligations

Tenant shall:

1. Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and free from hazards and pests (to the extent within Tenant's control).

2. Properly use and maintain all appliances, fixtures, and systems.

3. Replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, smoke/CO detector batteries, and similar consumables.

4. Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs, defects, or unsafe conditions.

5. Not damage or destroy the Premises or permit damage by occupants or guests.

6. Be responsible for repair or replacement of damage caused by Tenant's misuse or neglect (beyond ordinary wear and tear)., -

12. Repair Requests and Emergencies

Routine written repair requests shall be submitted to [[Landlord / Property Manager Name and Contact Method]].

For life-threatening or property-damaging emergencies, Tenant shall immediately contact [[Emergency Contact, Name, Phone]] and also notify Landlord as soon as practicable., -

13. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises:

• In case of emergency (no notice required).

• To make repairs, inspections, or improvements, or to show the Premises to prospective tenants, purchasers, lenders, or contractors, upon at least 24 hours' written notice (or such other notice as required by law or the lease) during reasonable hours, except in an emergency or with Tenant's consent.

• As otherwise permitted by New Jersey law., -

14. Renter's Insurance

Tenant shall maintain renter's insurance with personal liability coverage of at least $[[Minimum Liability Amount, e.g. 100,000]] throughout the term and shall provide proof upon request. Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability. Each party waives subrogation to the extent of insurance proceeds., -

15. Alterations, Locks, and Fixtures

Tenant shall not paint, alter, install fixtures, satellite dishes, or additional locks, or make any changes without Landlord's prior written consent. Tenant-installed improvements become Landlord's property unless otherwise agreed in writing. Tenant shall not change locks without promptly providing Landlord a key., -

16. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without Landlord's prior written consent. Any attempted assignment or sublease without consent is void and constitutes a material breach., -

17. Default and Remedies; Good Cause Requirement

Tenant is in default if Tenant fails to pay rent when due, materially breaches any term of this Lease, or violates applicable law.

Because the Premises are subject to the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1), Landlord may terminate this Lease or pursue eviction only for "good cause" as enumerated in the statute (e.g., non-payment after proper notice, substantial lease violation after notice to cease, repeated violations, willful damage, drug conviction on or near premises, owner-occupancy in limited cases, etc.).

Landlord shall not engage in self-help eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing property, or harassment). All evictions require court process.

Upon default, Landlord may serve appropriate notice and pursue all remedies available under law, including possession, unpaid rent, damages, and costs., -

18. Holdover

If Tenant remains in possession after the term without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall be a holdover tenant. Landlord may charge a holdover rate of $[[Daily or Monthly Holdover Rate]] and pursue eviction or other remedies. With Landlord's consent and no new agreement, the tenancy becomes month-to-month., -

19. Surrender and Move-Out

At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall:

1. Remove all personal property and trash.

2. Return all keys, access devices, and remotes.

3. Leave the Premises clean and in the condition noted on the Move-In/Move-Out Inventory (Exhibit A), ordinary wear and tear excepted.

4. Provide a written forwarding address.

Landlord will conduct a move-out inspection and account for the security deposit within 30 days., -

20. Notices

Notices to Tenant may be delivered to the Premises or the address on file. Notices to Landlord shall be sent to the address above or such other address as Landlord designates in writing.

To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, the terminating party must give at least one (1) month's written notice in accordance with N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56, with the termination date falling at the end of a rental period., -

21. Truth in Renting Statement

Landlord has provided or will provide Tenant with a copy of the current New Jersey Truth in Renting statement (N.J.S.A. 46:8-46) at or before move-in. The statement summarizes key rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants under New Jersey law. Landlord maintains a copy posted or available as required., -

22. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Pre-1978 Housing)

If the Premises were built before 1978:

Landlord discloses known lead-based paint and/or hazards: [[Yes, describe / No / Unknown]].

Records and reports available: [[Yes, list / No]].

Tenant has received the EPA pamphlet "Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home.", -

23. Other Disclosures

Landlord has provided or will provide:

• Seller's / Landlord's Property Condition Disclosure (if sale-related or otherwise required)

• Any flood zone or other environmental notices required by law

• Megan's Law / sex offender registry information notice (if applicable under NJ law)

• Bed bug, mold, or other health/safety disclosures as required, -

24. Governing Law and Severability

This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of New Jersey. If any provision is held invalid or unenforceable, the remainder shall continue in full force., -

25. Entire Agreement; Modifications

This Lease, including all exhibits and riders attached, constitutes the entire agreement. No modification shall be binding unless in writing and signed by both parties (or approved by attorneys during any applicable review period)., -

26. Waiver; Non-Waiver

No delay or failure to enforce any right shall constitute a waiver. A waiver of one breach shall not waive any other., -

27. Indemnification and Liability

Except to the extent caused by Landlord's negligence or violation of law, Tenant assumes responsibility for and shall indemnify Landlord against claims arising from Tenant's use of the Premises or the acts of Tenant's occupants and guests., -

28. Attorney Fees

In any action or proceeding arising out of this Lease, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover reasonable attorneys' fees and costs from the other party, as permitted by law., -

29. Exhibits

The following exhibits are attached and made part of this Lease:

• Exhibit A: Move-In / Move-Out Inventory and Condition Checklist

• Exhibit B: Rules and Regulations

• Exhibit C: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Addendum (if applicable)

• Other: [[List]], -

30. Signatures

Landlord:

_________________________________________
[[Landlord Full Legal Name]] Date: [[Date]]

Tenant(s):

_________________________________________
[[Tenant Full Legal Name]] Date: [[Date]]

_________________________________________
[[Tenant Full Legal Name]] Date: [[Date]], -

Additional Acknowledgments

Tenant acknowledges receipt of:

• Keys / access devices: [[Number and description]]

• Copy of this Lease

• Truth in Renting statement

• Lead pamphlet and disclosure (if pre-1978)

• Property Disclosure (if provided)

Initials: Tenant _______ Landlord _______ Date: [[ ]], -

Disclaimer and Sources

> Template, not professional legal advice. This New Jersey Residential Lease Agreement template is provided for general guidance only as of June 2026. Residential leasing in New Jersey is heavily regulated by the Anti-Eviction Act, security deposit law, Truth in Renting Act, source-of-income protections, and other statutes. This form must be reviewed and customized by a licensed New Jersey attorney. Laws and required disclosures change. This is not a substitute for professional legal advice.

Sources (as of June 2026):

• N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq. (Anti-Eviction Act, good cause requirement)
• N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 to 46:8-26 (Rent Security Deposit Act, 1.5 month cap, interest-bearing account, 30-day notice and return)
• N.J.S.A. 46:8-46 et seq. (Truth in Renting)
• N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq. (Law Against Discrimination, source of income)
• N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 et seq. (late fees and related)
• Federal lead-based paint disclosure (42 U.S.C. § 4852d)
• New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs and Department of Community Affairs landlord-tenant resources, -

End of New Jersey Residential Lease Agreement