The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under N.J. Stat. Sections 46:8-19 to 46:8-26, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 30 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
New Jersey generally requires the deposit, accrued interest, and any itemized deductions within 30 days after move-out, with a faster 5-business-day rule in fire, flood, or condemnation cases.
This dispute type
Painting deductions are usually weakest when the landlord is refreshing the unit for the next tenant, covering faded walls, or addressing minor marks from normal occupancy. In New Jersey, the refund deadline and deduction notice rules still apply even if the landlord claims the walls needed work.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: You can recover double the amount due (mandatory), plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees