Medford Lakes, NJ Security Deposit Laws 2026
New Jersey limits security deposits to 1.5 month(s) of rent. In Medford Lakes, that's $3,196 at the median 2BR rent of $2,131/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $4,262+.
In New Jersey, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 1.5 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $4,262 or more.
This applies to properties in Medford Lakes, NJ. Check all requirements for your property →
Key Takeaways — Medford Lakes Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 1.5 month(s) of rent = $3,196 at Medford Lakes's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($4,262)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Medford Lakes
Under New Jersey law, landlords in Medford Lakes may collect a maximum security deposit of 1.5 month(s) of rent. At Medford Lakes's median 2-bedroom rent of $2,131/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $3,196.
$3,196
max deposit (1.5mo × $2,131)
30 days
return deadline
$4,262
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Medford Lakes rental, New Jersey law gives you exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in Medford Lakes:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate New Jersey security deposit laws rules in Medford Lakes and you could owe $4,262+. At Medford Lakes's median rent of $2,131/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
Medford Lakes Rental Market Context
Medford Lakes is the 212th-largest city in New Jersey (population 4,291). With a median 2-bedroom rent of $2,131/month, it falls in the moderate range for New Jersey rental costs — 3% below the state median of $2,205/month.
How Medford Lakes Compares in County
Medford Lakes ranks #21 of 54 cities in County by population. Because security deposit laws rules are often tied to rent amounts, costs vary across the county.
| City | Population | Median Rent | Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Plainfield | 22,566 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Lindenwold | 21,685 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Point Pleasant | 19,429 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Tinton Falls | 19,354 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Collingswood | 14,204 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Woodland Park | 13,138 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Guttenberg | 11,365 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Pine Hill | 10,783 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Wood-Ridge | 10,197 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Kinnelon | 10,009 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| North Haledon | 8,633 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Upper Saddle River | 8,480 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| North Caldwell | 6,574 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Morris Plains | 6,538 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
| Prospect Park | 6,219 | $1,867/mo | $2,800 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for County, New Jersey. All cities follow New Jersey state law unless a local ordinance applies.
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How Medford Lakes Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Medford Lakes landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Medford Lakes) | Max Deposit (1.5mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,598/mo | $2,397 | $4,794 |
| 1-Bedroom | $1,758/mo | $2,637 | $5,274 |
| 2-Bedroom | $2,131/mo | $3,196 | $6,393 |
| 3-Bedroom | $2,657/mo | $3,985 | $7,971 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for State Average.
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More Medford Lakes Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
