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
Pet-related deposit disputes usually turn on proof. In New Jersey, landlords still need to handle the refund and deduction notice correctly, and renters usually ask whether the charge reflects actual damage or just the landlord's assumption that pets always create extra cost.
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