Final answer:
In New Jersey, landlords have 30 days to return a tenant's deposit after lease termination. The rental agreement must be clear and written in plain language, stating the requirements for vacating the premises and the potential liabilities if the tenant does not comply.
Step-by-step explanation:
Upon the expiration of the leasing period, the specific number of days a landlord has to return a tenant's deposit can vary based on state law. In New Jersey, for example, the landlord has 30 days from the lease termination to return the security deposit to the tenant, minus any deductions for damages or unpaid rent. It is important for tenants to provide their forwarding address to ensure the return of the deposit, and they should also document the condition of the apartment upon moving out to avoid disputes over damages.
In rewriting a section of a New Jersey rental agreement for clarity while considering the Plain Writing Act of 2010, we can simplify the language. Termination: When the lease ends, it will automatically continue month-to-month. However, either the landlord or the tenant can end it with a 30-day written notice. If the law says 'just cause' is needed to end the lease, that reason must be included in the notice. The rental must be fully vacated, which means the tenant's belongings are removed, and all keys or other items provided by the landlord are returned. If the tenant stays past the agreed termination date, or does not remove their belongings by then, they could owe extra rent and damages, including costs related to the landlord's inability to rent to someone else.