Leases
Before signing a lease:
Read it carefully. Do not sign a lease with blank spaces. If you do not understand something in the lease, don’t sign it. Tell the landlord you first want to take it to a friend or lawyer who will help you to understand it. If you do sign a lease, be sure you get a copy. This will prevent the landlord from making changes afterward. Moving out before the lease ends: If you move out before the end of the lease, the landlord may be able to hold you responsible for the rent that becomes due until the apartment or house is rented again, or until the lease ends. End a yearly lease: Unless the lease says otherwise, you must give the landlord a written notice at least one full month before the end of the lease. The notice must tell the landlord that you are moving out when the lease ends. Also, unless the lease says otherwise, the landlord must give you at least one full month’s notice before the end of the lease to terminate a yearly lease so that the landlord can raise the rent or change other terms of the lease. Remember, you cannot be evicted just because the landlord ends your lease. |
Security DepositsAsk for a receipt when you pay the security deposit.
Return of the Deposit: Within 30 days after you move out, the landlord must return your security deposit and interest. They can give back less of your money for rent you owe or any charges for repairing damage that you have done to the property. The landlord can only charge you for property damage that is more than ordinary wear and tear. Ordinary wear and tear means damage that takes place from the normal, careful use of the property. Examples of normal wear and tear are faded paint on the walls, loose tile in the bathroom, window cracks caused by winter weather, or leaky faucets or radiators. Landlords cannot charge cleaning fees to tenants who leave their apartments dirty. If the landlord deducts any amounts for damages or rent, he or she must give you a complete list of the damages he or she claims you did to the property and the cost of repairs. The landlord must send you the list of damages by registered or certified mail, and the landlord must return to you any money left over from your security deposit. Cite: N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1. |
Rent
Pay on time and always get a rent receipt (signed by the landlord) for each rent payment! You never know when you will need proof that you paid the rent!