DisputeKit / States / New Jersey
Your consumer rights in New Jersey
What New Jersey and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under New Jersey Statutes § 46:8-21.1, a landlord must return the security deposit plus the tenant's share of interest or earnings, less any lawful charges, with the interest and any deductions itemized, by personal delivery or registered or certified mail within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. A court may also award double the amount of the deposit money due, together with full court costs and, at the court's discretion, reasonable attorney's fees, when the court finds for the tenant.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
New Jersey has no automatic-renewal statute. For subscriptions sold online, the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires a simple way to stop recurring charges, and New Jersey's general consumer protection law applies.
Small claims and complaints in New Jersey
- New Jersey consumer law
- New Jersey Statutes § 56:8-2
- Where to file a complaint
- New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs (Office of the Attorney General), Consumer Complaints
- Small claims limit
- $5,000 (Small Claims Section of the Special Civil Part; larger claims up to $20,000 go to the Special Civil Part)
- Filing fee
- $35 for one defendant plus $5 for each additional defendant; a fee waiver can be requested