New Jersey Disclosures: Flood, Lead Paint & Truth in Renting
Review mandatory NJ landlord disclosures including the 2024 Flood Risk Notice, 2022 Lead-Safe Certification, Truth in Renting, and window guard requirements.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Rooted in the Truth in Renting Act of 1975, New Jersey requires landlords to make a wide range of disclosures before, during, and at the termination of a tenancy. Recent legislation, including the 2024 Flood Risk Notice and the 2022 Lead-Safe Certification Act, has significantly increased the compliance burden for NJ property owners.
1. Flood Risk Notice (Effective March 20, 2024)
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-50, all landlords (both residential and commercial) must provide a written disclosure regarding flood risk before the lease is signed.
- FEMA Designation: Disclose if the unit is in a Special or Moderate Flood Hazard Area.
- Flooding History: Disclose if the property or parking area has experienced previous flooding.
- Tenant Insurance: The notice must advise tenants that their personal property is not covered by the landlord's insurance and that they should obtain flood insurance.
- Exemptions: Seasonal rentals of less than 120 days are exempt from this disclosure requirement.
2. Lead-Safe Certification (P.L. 2021, c. 182)
Effective July 2022, all residential rental properties built before 1978 must undergo a lead paint inspection.
- Certification: Landlords must obtain a "Lead-Safe Certificate" or "Lead-Free Certificate" from a certified inspector.
- Filing: A copy of this certificate must be provided to the tenant and the municipality.
- Renewal: Inspections must be repeated every 3 years or at every tenant turnover (whichever is earlier).
- Exemptions: Seasonal rentals of less than 6 months are exempt. Note that while the owner-occupied unit itself is exempt, any rental units within an owner-occupied two-family or three-family dwelling must still be inspected.
3. Truth in Renting Statement (N.J.S.A. 46:8-45)
Landlords of all rental premises, except those of owner-occupied premises with no more than three dwelling units, must:
- Provide a copy of the Truth in Renting booklet at the start of the lease.
- Post a copy in a prominent place (lobby or entrance).
- Inform the tenant of their right to receive the booklet annually.
4. Window Guard Notice (N.J.A.C. 5:10-27.1)
In buildings with three or more units, the landlord must provide a written notice at least once a year:
- Tenant Right: Tenants have the right to request window guards if a child 10 years of age or younger lives in the unit or will be a frequent visitor.
- Mandatory Language: The notice must use specific bold text as required by NJ law.
- Installation: If requested in writing, the landlord must install them (landlords can charge a small fee in some cases, but many municipalities mandate free installation).
5. Security Deposit Notification (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19)
Within 30 days of receiving a deposit, the landlord must disclose:
- Name and address of the bank.
- Type of interest-bearing account.
- Current interest rate.
Best Practices
- Combine Disclosures into an Addendum: Bundle the Flood Risk, Window Guard, and Lead-Safe docs into one "New Jersey Mandatory Disclosures" packet.
- Track Certification Expiry: Set a 3-year reminder for your Lead-Safe inspection to avoid municipal fines.
- Use the Official Flood Form: The NJ DEP provides a standardized form that meets all N.J.S.A. 46:8-50 requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must New Jersey landlords provide to tenants?
New Jersey landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the New Jersey landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
New Jersey is widely recognized as one of the most tenant-protective states in the nation. Unlike most states that allow no-cause evictions, NJ requires landlords to prove "good cause" to remove a tenant-even after a lease expires. Coupled with mandatory interest-bearing security deposit accounts, municipal-level rent control in approximately 117 municipalities, and a powerful implied warranty of habitability, managing rental properties in the Garden State demands meticulous legal compliance. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the New Jersey eviction process and how long does it take?
The New Jersey eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in New Jersey. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the New Jersey security deposit rules and return deadlines?
New Jersey has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the New Jersey rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
New Jersey has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether New Jersey has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in New Jersey?
New Jersey has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check New Jersey state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the New Jersey lease requirements for rental properties?
New Jersey recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under New Jersey law.
Read the complete guide▶What are New Jersey landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
New Jersey landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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