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Highland Park is a small borough in Middlesex County, New Jersey, with a population of roughly 14,000 and a notably high renter share — estimates suggest more than half of housing units are renter-occupied, reflecting its proximity to Rutgers University and New Brunswick. Renters in Highland Park frequently search for information on security deposit returns, lease non-renewals, repair obligations, and eviction protections.
New Jersey provides some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation. The state's Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) requires landlords to prove just cause before evicting most tenants, the Truth in Renting Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-43 et seq.) mandates written disclosure of rights, and the Security Deposit Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 et seq.) caps deposits and imposes strict return deadlines. Highland Park has not enacted local rent control or additional tenant ordinances beyond these state protections.
This guide is informational only and is not legal advice. Laws change and individual circumstances vary — if you face an eviction, deposit dispute, or habitability problem, consult a licensed New Jersey attorney or contact a legal aid organization serving Middlesex County.
Highland Park does not have a rent control ordinance. Unlike several other New Jersey municipalities — such as Newark, Jersey City, and Asbury Park — Highland Park has never adopted local rent stabilization rules.
Importantly, New Jersey does not have a statewide statute preempting local rent control. Under the Home Rule authority embedded in New Jersey law, municipalities are free to enact rent leveling or rent control ordinances if their governing body chooses to do so. As of April 2026, Highland Park's Borough Council has not done so.
In practical terms, this means a landlord in Highland Park may increase rent by any amount upon lease renewal or when signing a new lease with a new tenant, provided proper notice is given and the increase does not constitute a retaliatory or discriminatory act under state law (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10; N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.). There is no cap on the size of a rent increase between tenancies. However, the Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1) still protects tenants from being evicted without just cause, even if their landlord seeks a large rent increase — a tenant who refuses an unconscionably excessive rent hike may still have protections under subsection (l) of that statute.
New Jersey's statewide landlord-tenant laws apply fully to Highland Park renters. Key protections include:
Warranty of Habitability (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.2): Landlords must maintain rental units in a safe, sanitary, and habitable condition throughout the tenancy. This includes functioning heat, hot water, plumbing, electricity, and structural soundness. If a landlord fails to meet this obligation, tenants may be entitled to rent abatement or, in extreme cases, may be able to repair-and-deduct under court authority.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10): A landlord may not evict, harass, or raise rent in retaliation against a tenant who has complained to a government agency about housing conditions, joined a tenants' organization, or exercised any legal right. Courts presume retaliation if adverse action occurs within 90 days of a protected activity.
Truth in Renting Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-43 et seq.): Landlords of buildings with three or more units must provide new tenants with the NJ Department of Community Affairs' official Truth in Renting statement explaining tenant and landlord rights. Failure to do so is a disorderly persons offense.
Notice Requirements (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56): For month-to-month tenancies, either party must give written notice of at least one full rental period before termination. For fixed-term leases, the lease itself governs expiration; however, the Anti-Eviction Act typically requires just-cause grounds even at lease end (see Eviction section).
Lockout & Utility Shutoff Prohibition (N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 et seq.; N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.6): Self-help eviction is illegal in New Jersey. A landlord who removes a tenant's belongings, changes locks, or shuts off utilities to force a tenant out can face civil liability and criminal charges.
Lead Disclosure & Inspection (N.J.A.C. 5:28A): New Jersey requires landlords of pre-1978 rental units to conduct lead paint inspections at tenant turnover and at least every three years. Landlords must provide inspection results to tenants.
New Jersey's Security Deposit Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 through 46:8-26) sets strict rules that apply to all Highland Park landlords.
Maximum Amount: For the initial deposit, a landlord may collect no more than one and one-half months' rent (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2). Annual increases to the deposit are limited to 10% of the current deposit amount.
Where Deposits Must Be Held: Deposits must be placed in a separate interest-bearing account at a New Jersey bank, savings institution, or money market fund. The landlord must notify the tenant in writing within 30 days of receiving the deposit, identifying the bank, account type, and interest rate (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19).
Return Deadline: After the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit (plus accrued interest) within 30 days, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions for unpaid rent or physical damages beyond normal wear and tear. If the rental unit is rendered uninhabitable by fire, flood, or other casualty through no fault of the tenant, the deadline shortens to 5 business days (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1).
Penalty for Noncompliance: If a landlord fails to return the deposit and statement within the required time, the tenant may sue and recover up to twice the amount of the deposit (double damages), plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1). Courts have interpreted this as a strict-liability penalty — the landlord's intent is generally not a defense.
Normal Wear and Tear: Landlords may not deduct for ordinary wear and tear, such as minor scuffs, faded paint from sunlight, or carpet worn from normal use. Deductions are limited to actual physical damages or unpaid rent.
New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.) requires landlords to have a legally recognized just-cause ground to remove any residential tenant. This law applies to virtually all residential renters in Highland Park except owner-occupied buildings of two units or fewer (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1, introductory paragraph).
Just-Cause Grounds Include: nonpayment of rent; disorderly conduct; destruction of property; violation of a reasonable lease rule; failure to pay a lawful rent increase; habitual late payment of rent; conviction of drug offenses on premises; and several other enumerated reasons. Lease expiration alone is generally not sufficient justification for eviction under subsection (f) unless the landlord seeks to personally occupy the unit or demolish/convert the building (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(l)).
Required Notices Before Filing:
Court Process: All evictions in New Jersey must proceed through the Special Civil Part of Superior Court (Landlord-Tenant Court). The landlord files a Complaint for Possession, and the tenant receives a summons with a hearing date. Tenants have the right to appear, present defenses, and request adjournments for good cause. If the judge enters a judgment for possession, the landlord must obtain a Warrant for Removal from the court. A court officer (not the landlord) serves the warrant, and the tenant typically has 3 days to vacate after service of the warrant (N.J. Court Rule 6:7-1).
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: It is unlawful in New Jersey for a landlord to remove a tenant by changing locks, removing doors or windows, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings without a court order (N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 et seq.). A tenant subjected to a self-help eviction may seek an emergency court order for re-entry and may sue the landlord for damages.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are complex, and individual circumstances can significantly affect outcomes. While we strive to keep this content current as of April 2026, statutes and local ordinances may change after publication. Highland Park renters facing eviction, security deposit disputes, habitability issues, or other landlord-tenant problems should verify current law and consult a licensed New Jersey attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization serving Middlesex County. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and no attorney-client relationship is created by using this site.
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