1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
If this property was built before 1978, the following applies:
- Month2Month will disclose any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the property prior to lease execution.
- Month2Month will provide all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint in the property.
- The tenant will receive a copy of the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."
For more information: National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or www.epa.gov/lead.
2. New Jersey Lead Paint Requirements
Under New Jersey law, owners of rental dwellings built before 1978 must:
- Obtain a lead-safe certificate or lead-free certificate prior to renting the unit, issued by a certified lead inspector or risk assessor after an inspection confirming that the unit is free of lead-based paint hazards or has been made lead-safe.
- Maintain a valid certificate and renew it as required. Lead-safe certificates are valid for two years; lead-free certificates do not expire.
- Provide a copy of the certificate to the tenant at or before lease execution.
- Use lead-safe work practices for any renovation, repair, or painting that disturbs painted surfaces in pre-1978 housing, using EPA-certified renovators in accordance with the EPA Renovation, Repair, and Painting (RRP) Rule.
- Report cases of elevated blood lead levels: If a child under age 6 residing in the property is found to have an elevated blood lead level, the local health department may order an inspection and require abatement of lead hazards.
New Jersey has some of the highest rates of older housing stock in the nation. Month2Month takes lead safety seriously and ensures all pre-1978 properties in our New Jersey portfolio comply with state lead-safe certification requirements.
For more information: New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, Lead Hazard Control, at www.nj.gov/dca/dlps/programs/lead.shtml or the NJ Department of Health Lead Poisoning Prevention Program at 609-826-4920.
3. Security Deposit
Deposit Limits
Under New Jersey law, a security deposit may not exceed one and one-half (1.5) months' rent. After the first increase of rent, the deposit may be increased by an amount that, together with the amount of the existing deposit, does not exceed 1.5 months' rent at the new rate.
Interest-Bearing Account Requirement
Pursuant to NJSA §46:8-19, the landlord must:
- Deposit the security deposit in a separate interest-bearing account in a New Jersey bank or savings institution, or invest it in a money market fund registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission with check-writing privileges.
- Notify the tenant in writing within 30 days of receiving the deposit, providing the name and address of the banking institution or investment company, the type of account, the current interest rate, and the amount deposited.
- Pay or credit to the tenant annually the interest earned on the security deposit, or permit the tenant to apply the interest toward rent. This annual interest statement must be provided to the tenant.
Permitted Uses
Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; repair of damages caused by tenant beyond ordinary wear and tear; and any other charges or damages as provided for in the lease agreement.
Return of Deposit
Within 30 days after the tenant moves out and delivers possession, the landlord must return the security deposit together with interest earned, less any legitimate deductions. The landlord must provide an itemized list of any deductions. If the landlord fails to return the deposit and provide the itemized list within 30 days, the tenant may be entitled to the return of the full deposit plus interest, and the landlord may be liable for double the deposit amount.
Change of Ownership
Upon sale or transfer of the rental property, the landlord must transfer the security deposit to the new owner and notify the tenant in writing of the transfer and the new owner's name and address within 30 days.
Disputes
If you dispute any deduction, contact Month2Month in writing within 7 days. If the dispute cannot be resolved, you may file a claim in small claims court. Pursuant to NJSA §46:8-21.1, a landlord who fails to comply with the security deposit law may be liable for double the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees and court costs.
4. Landlord Identity and Address
Pursuant to NJSA §46:8-28, every landlord of residential rental property must provide the tenant with written notice of the landlord's identity and address. Specifically, the landlord must disclose:
- The name and address of the building owner.
- The name and address of the registered agent for service of process, if any.
- The name and address of the property management company, if applicable.
- The name and address of a person authorized to accept notices and service of process on behalf of the owner.
This information is provided in your lease agreement. Month2Month serves as the property manager for all properties in our portfolio.
General Contact: [email protected]
5. Truth in Renting Statement
Pursuant to the Truth in Renting Act (NJSA §46:8-44), the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) publishes a booklet titled "Truth in Renting" that provides a plain-language summary of New Jersey landlord-tenant law, including:
- Security deposit rights and obligations
- Eviction procedures and protections
- Landlord obligations regarding habitability and maintenance
- Lease provisions that may be unenforceable
- Tenant remedies and resources
- Rent increase limitations
- Anti-retaliation protections
Every landlord of residential rental property must provide each tenant with a copy of the Truth in Renting statement at or before the beginning of the tenancy. Failure to provide this statement may affect the enforceability of certain lease provisions.
The Truth in Renting statement is available online at the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs website: www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/publications/pdf/TIR-eng.pdf. A copy will also be provided to you at or before lease execution.
6. Smoke Alarms and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
All Month2Month rental properties in New Jersey are equipped with operable smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors installed in compliance with the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code and the New Jersey Uniform Construction Code. Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, in the immediate vicinity of sleeping areas, and on every level of the dwelling. Carbon monoxide detectors are installed on each floor of the dwelling and in the immediate vicinity of sleeping areas.
Tenant Responsibilities
- Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke alarm or carbon monoxide detector. Tampering with life safety devices is a violation of New Jersey law and may result in fines.
- Test all devices monthly by pressing the test button.
- Report immediately if any device is chirping, not functioning, or missing.
- Do not remove batteries.
- If you hear the carbon monoxide alarm sound continuously, evacuate immediately and call 911.
Month2Month is responsible for ensuring all devices are operable at the beginning of each tenancy and for maintaining them throughout, including replacing batteries and units as needed. Pursuant to the New Jersey Uniform Fire Code, landlords must maintain all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors in proper working condition.
7. Flood Zone and Flood History Disclosure
Pursuant to NJSA §46:8C-2, the landlord must disclose to the tenant:
- Whether the property is located in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA).
- Whether the property has experienced any flooding within the knowledge of the landlord.
- Whether flood insurance is required for the property.
If your property is located in a flood hazard area or has experienced prior flooding, this information will be disclosed in your lease agreement or property-specific addendum.
For detailed hazard information, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal or the NJ Flood Mapper at https://njfloodmapper.org.
8. Mold Disclosure
Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. You have a right to know about mold in your rental unit and how to prevent it.
Month2Month is not aware of any mold in the rental property that exceeds permissible exposure limits or poses a health threat at the time of your lease. If mold is discovered during your tenancy, Month2Month will take appropriate remediation action.
Under the New Jersey warranty of habitability, landlords are required to maintain rental properties free from conditions that are detrimental to the health, safety, and welfare of tenants. Mold infestations that affect habitability are the landlord's responsibility to remediate when caused by structural issues, leaks, or conditions within the landlord's control.
Tenant Responsibilities to Prevent Mold
- Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure air circulation.
- Control moisture: Wipe up spills and leaks immediately, do not let water accumulate, and report any leaks or water damage to Month2Month immediately.
- Use heating and air conditioning: Maintain reasonable temperatures and use climate control systems to reduce humidity.
- Clean regularly: Regular cleaning prevents mold from establishing itself.
- Report problems immediately: If you see mold, smell musty odors, or notice water damage, report it to Month2Month right away.
9. Bed Bug Disclosure
New Jersey law treats bed bug infestations as a habitability issue. Landlords are responsible for ensuring rental units are free of pest infestations at the start of a tenancy and for addressing infestations that arise during the tenancy.
Identification
Bed bugs have six legs and flat bodies about 1/4 inch long, ranging from red-brown to copper colored. They do not fly but move quickly over surfaces. They hide in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture crevices, baseboards, and wall cracks. They feed on human blood at night.
Signs of Infestation
Look for small blood stains on sheets, dark spots (excrement) on mattresses or walls, shed skins, and a sweet musty odor. Bites may appear as red, itchy welts in a line or cluster, though some people do not react.
Prevention
- Inspect your mattress, box spring, and bed frame regularly.
- When traveling, inspect hotel rooms and luggage before returning home.
- Do not bring used mattresses or upholstered furniture into the home without thorough inspection.
- Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places.
Month2Month has no knowledge of any bed bug infestation in your specific rental unit. If Month2Month becomes aware of bed bug infestation during your tenancy, you will be notified immediately and professional treatment will be arranged at Month2Month's expense, except in cases where the infestation is demonstrated to have been caused by the tenant's actions.
10. Domestic Violence Protections
Right to Terminate Lease Early
Pursuant to NJSA §46:8-9.12, a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence or a victim's household member may terminate a residential lease without penalty by providing the landlord with written notice accompanied by one of the following:
- A certified copy of a temporary or permanent restraining order or protective order
- A law enforcement agency record documenting the domestic violence
- Medical documentation of injuries resulting from domestic violence
- Certification from a certified Domestic Violence Specialist or the director of a designated domestic violence agency
Right to Request Lock Changes
A tenant who has obtained a restraining order may request that the landlord change or rekey the locks to the dwelling unit. Month2Month will change the locks within a reasonable time after receiving a written request with qualifying documentation. The tenant may change the locks and must provide a copy of the new key to Month2Month.
Protection from Eviction
Under New Jersey law, a landlord may not evict a tenant solely because the tenant or a household member is a victim of domestic violence. Acts of domestic violence committed against a tenant by a third party are not grounds for eviction of the victim.
Confidentiality
Month2Month will maintain the confidentiality of any information provided by a tenant who is a victim. Documentation provided will be kept in a secure file and will not be disclosed to third parties except as required by law.
Resources
- NJ Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233 (24/7)
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
- NJ Division on Women — Domestic Violence Services: www.nj.gov/dcf/women/domestic/
- NJ Courts — Restraining Orders: www.njcourts.gov/self-help/domestic-violence
11. Window Guard Notice
New Jersey's Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law requires that landlords of multiple dwellings provide window guards upon request for the protection of children ten (10) years of age or younger.
If you have children 10 years of age or younger residing in or regularly visiting the property, you may request window guards in writing from Month2Month. Window guards will be installed and maintained at no charge to the tenant.
Tenants must not remove, tamper with, or disable any window guards installed in the property.
12. Anti-Eviction Protections
The New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act (NJSA §2A:18-61.1) provides that no residential tenant may be removed from a rental unit except for one of the following just causes:
At-Fault Causes:
- Failure to pay rent after written demand
- Disorderly conduct by the tenant or a member of the tenant's household
- Willful or grossly negligent destruction of the landlord's property
- Violation of the landlord's rules and regulations, after written notice
- Violation of a material covenant or agreement in the lease (other than rent payment), after written notice and opportunity to cure
- Failure to pay a rent increase after proper notice (except where the increase is unconscionable)
- Conviction for drug offenses occurring on the premises
- Habitual late payment of rent after proper notice
- Conviction for assault or threats against the landlord, landlord's family, or other tenants
No-Fault Causes (Limited):
- Owner or owner's family member seeks to personally occupy the unit (owner move-in)
- Permanent retirement of the property from residential use
- Compliance with a code enforcement order requiring tenant vacation
- Conversion of the property to condominium or cooperative (with notice requirements)
Notice Requirements
Before filing for eviction, the landlord must generally provide the tenant with a written Notice to Cease (for curable violations) or Notice to Quit, depending on the grounds. The notice periods vary depending on the cause for eviction but must comply with the requirements set forth in NJSA §2A:18-61.2.
Anti-Retaliation
A landlord may not evict or threaten to evict a tenant in retaliation for the tenant exercising legal rights, including reporting code violations, organizing or joining a tenant organization, or complaining to a governmental agency about conditions in the rental property. (NJSA §2A:42-10.10 et seq.)
13. Rent Control (Municipal Level)
New Jersey does not have a statewide rent control law, but it authorizes municipalities to enact rent control ordinances. Over 100 New Jersey municipalities have some form of rent control or rent leveling in place. Common features of municipal rent control ordinances include:
- Annual limits on rent increases, often tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
- Requirements for landlords to register rental units and file for rent increase approval with a municipal rent control board.
- Procedures for landlords to seek hardship increases above the standard limit.
- Exemptions for certain property types (such as new construction or owner-occupied small buildings).
If your property is located in a municipality with rent control, your lease agreement will identify the applicable ordinance and any limitations on rent increases. You may also contact the local rent control board for your municipality to learn about specific protections that apply to your tenancy.
Key Municipalities with Rent Control
Notable New Jersey municipalities with rent control include (but are not limited to): Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Hoboken, Trenton, Paterson, East Orange, Bayonne, Fort Lee, and many others. Contact your local municipal clerk or rent control board for specific details.
14. Furnished Property Disclosure
All Month2Month rental properties are provided fully furnished. All furniture, appliances, fixtures, and household items in the property are the property of Month2Month or the property owner and are provided for your use during the term of your lease.
Your Responsibilities
- Maintain all furnished items in the same condition as received, allowing for ordinary wear and tear.
- Use all items for their intended purpose only.
- Do not remove any furnished items from the property.
- Report any damage to furnished items within 48 hours of discovery.
- Do not repair or replace items yourself without prior written approval.
Damage vs. Normal Wear and Tear
| Normal Wear and Tear (Not Chargeable) | Damage (Chargeable to Tenant) |
|---|---|
| Minor scuffs on furniture | Broken furniture legs, arms, or frames |
| Slight fading of upholstery | Stains, tears, or burns on upholstery |
| Minor mattress indentation from normal use | Mattress stains, tears, or structural damage |
| Light scratches on hard floors | Deep gouges, water damage, or burns on flooring |
| Normal appliance wear (cosmetic marks) | Appliance malfunction due to misuse or neglect |
| Gradual thinning of towels and linens | Bleach stains, tears, or missing linens |
| Normal dulling of kitchen knives | Missing, broken, or chipped dishes/cookware |
| Loose doorknobs from use | Holes in walls, broken blinds, damaged doors |
Replacement Responsibility
- Tenant-caused damage: Tenant is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement (at depreciated value) of items damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Costs may be deducted from the security deposit.
- Missing items: Tenant is responsible for full replacement cost.
- Normal wear items: Month2Month replaces items that reach end-of-life through normal use.
- Appliance malfunction: If an appliance fails due to normal use or age, Month2Month is responsible for repair or replacement.
Cleaning Standards
The property must be returned in the same level of cleanliness as at move-in. Maintain the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, furniture, and linens in clean condition throughout your tenancy. If professional cleaning is required beyond what is attributable to normal wear and tear, cleaning costs may be deducted from the security deposit.
Inventory
A detailed furniture and household inventory checklist will be provided at move-in. Month2Month will document the condition of all items through photography. You will receive a copy of the move-in condition report.
15. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Your Rights
- Habitable Housing: Your rental unit must meet basic health and safety standards as established by the New Jersey Uniform Housing Code (N.J.A.C. 5:28), including adequate weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electricity, and freedom from vermin and hazardous conditions.
- Just Cause Eviction: Under the Anti-Eviction Act (NJSA §2A:18-61.1), you cannot be evicted except for one of the specific causes listed in the statute. Your tenancy automatically continues even after the lease term expires.
- Privacy: Your landlord must give reasonable advance notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter for specific lawful purposes such as repairs, inspections, or showing the property to prospective tenants.
- Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions and all accrued interest. (NJSA §46:8-21.1)
- Freedom from Discrimination: Under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJSA §10:5-1 et seq.), you cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, disability, source of lawful income, nationality, or any other protected characteristic.
- Freedom from Retaliation: Your landlord cannot retaliate against you for exercising your legal rights, including filing complaints with government agencies, organizing tenants, or reporting housing code violations. (NJSA §2A:42-10.10)
- Repairs and Maintenance: You have the right to request repairs for health and safety issues, and your landlord must respond within a reasonable time. You may contact the local housing inspection office to report violations.
- Protection from Unlawful Eviction: Your landlord must follow proper legal procedures through the courts and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing personal property.
- Truth in Renting: You are entitled to receive a copy of the NJ DCA "Truth in Renting" statement at the beginning of your tenancy. (NJSA §46:8-44)
- Receipt for Rent: You are entitled to a written receipt for rent paid in cash. (NJSA §2A:42-91)
Your Responsibilities
- Pay rent in full and on time.
- Keep the unit clean and sanitary.
- Avoid damaging the property beyond normal wear and tear.
- Promptly report maintenance issues, leaks, mold, pests, or safety hazards.
- Allow reasonable access for repairs and inspections with proper notice.
- Comply with all lease terms including occupancy limits, pet policies, and use restrictions.
- Avoid creating nuisances or disturbing other residents.
- Provide proper notice before moving out and return the property in clean condition.
- Comply with all applicable municipal ordinances and building codes.
Resources
- New Jersey Department of Community Affairs — Tenant Rights: www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/offices/landlord_tenant_information.html
- NJ Courts Self-Help Center: www.njcourts.gov/self-help
- Legal Services of New Jersey: www.lsnj.org (1-888-576-5529)
- NJ Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-572-7233
- NJ Division on Civil Rights: www.nj.gov/oag/dcr/
- Fair Housing Hotline: 1-800-884-1684