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
An itemized statement is how renters learn what the landlord says was damaged, what each deduction was for, and whether the withholding was timely. In New Jersey, failure to provide that breakdown can strengthen a renter's challenge even before the underlying repair issue is resolved.
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