New Jersey Security Request Letter
The security deposit laws of New Jersey requires that that the landlord must repay the tenant's security deposit and the interest accumulated within 30 days after the tenant moves out of the rental premise. The landlord must keep the tenant's security deposit in either a money market fund in a New Jersey based investment or deposit the funds in an interest bearing bank account. As part of the lease agreement, the landlord must notify the tenant in writing about the bank details and account information or the type of investment the funds are deposited to. The landlord can only withhold part or all of the security deposit to remedy unpaid rent or damages to the rental unit beyond the normal wear and tear. If there are any deductions, the landlord must include them in an itemized list including receipts and proof of costs. The landlord has 15 days to repay the security deposit if a tenant has terminated the lease due to domestic violence. In the event of floods, fire, property condemnation or evacuation, the landlord must repay the security deposit within 5 days.
If the landlord fails to observe the laws and defaults from repaying the security deposit and interests after the end of the statutory 30 days, the tenant can file a case in a New Jersey small claims court. To avoid the lengthy court delays, you should write professional security request letter that reminds the landlord that they have an obligation to follow the law by repaying the owed amount. This HomeTitan's Security Request Letter is structured to express your desires and give a polite warning to the landlord. In most instances, a simple and clear security deposit request letter is all you need to have your funds repaid. Remember to send this letter by certified mail to ensure you get a mailing receipt and proof of delivery.
