Haddon, located in Camden County, New Jersey, is a small borough that attracts renters drawn to its proximity to Philadelphia and its quieter suburban character. Haddon has adopted a local rent control ordinance, so renters here have a local cap on annual rent increases in addition to New Jersey's statewide tenant protections.
New Jersey tenants benefit from the Anti-Eviction Act, which requires landlords to have a legally recognized just cause before removing a residential tenant, along with strict rules governing security deposits, habitability standards, anti-retaliation protections, and prohibited self-help remedies. Whether you are renting an apartment, a house, or a unit in a multi-family building in Haddon, these rights attach automatically to your tenancy.
This page summarizes how New Jersey law applies to renters in Haddon, including relevant statute citations and local resources. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters facing specific disputes are strongly encouraged to consult a licensed New Jersey attorney or contact a legal aid organization.
Yes — Haddon has rent control. Haddon is one of roughly 100 New Jersey municipalities that has adopted a local rent control (rent leveling) ordinance. The ordinance limits annual rent increases to a CPI-based or percentage cap set by the local ordinance. It is administered by the municipality's rent control / rent leveling board, where tenants can file complaints and landlords can apply for hardship or capital-improvement increases.
New Jersey has no statewide rent cap, but state law lets municipalities adopt local rent control under their home-rule and police power (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2; Inganamort v. Fort Lee, 62 N.J. 521). Coverage, exemptions (such as owner-occupied small buildings or newer construction), and the exact current cap vary by ordinance — confirm yours with the Haddon rent control board.
New Jersey's statewide landlord-tenant laws provide significant protections for all residential renters, including those in Haddon.
Warranty of Habitability (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.16; N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq.): Every residential landlord in New Jersey is legally required to maintain rental units in a safe, habitable condition. This means functioning heat (at least 68°F from October 1 through May 1), hot and cold running water, a structurally sound building, working plumbing and electrical systems, and compliance with applicable housing and health codes. Failure to maintain habitability allows tenants to pursue rent withholding, rent abatement, or repair-and-deduct remedies after proper notice.
Security Deposit Rules (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 through 46:8-26): Landlords may collect a security deposit of no more than 1.5 times one month's rent at the start of tenancy. Annual increases are capped at 10% of the existing deposit. Deposits must be held in a separate interest-bearing account, and tenants must be notified of the bank and account number within 30 days of receiving the deposit.
Notice Requirements (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56): For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least one full rental period's written notice (typically 30 days) before terminating the tenancy. Fixed-term leases expire by their own terms without additional notice unless the parties agree otherwise.
Anti-Retaliation (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10 through 2A:42-10.14): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for reporting housing code violations, contacting government agencies about conditions, or organizing with other tenants. Retaliatory acts include rent increases, service reductions, and eviction filings. A court may award actual damages, attorney's fees, and injunctive relief for proven retaliation.
Lockout and 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 may not change the locks, remove doors or windows, shut off utilities, or otherwise interfere with a tenant's quiet enjoyment in order to force the tenant out. Only a court order (a warrant for removal issued after a formal eviction proceeding) can lawfully remove a tenant.
New Jersey's Security Deposit Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 through 46:8-26) governs all security deposit transactions for Haddon rentals.
Maximum Deposit: At the start of tenancy, landlords may not collect more than one and one-half (1.5) times one month's rent as a security deposit. For example, if monthly rent is $1,400, the maximum deposit is $2,100. Annual increases to the deposit are capped at 10% of the amount currently held (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2).
Holding Requirements: The landlord must deposit the funds in a separate interest-bearing account at a New Jersey bank, notify the tenant in writing within 30 days of the bank name, address, and account number, and credit all accrued interest to the tenant annually (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19).
Return Deadline: After the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit (plus accrued interest, less lawful deductions) within 30 days of the termination of tenancy or within 15 days of receiving the tenant's forwarding address, whichever is later (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1). If the landlord fails to return the deposit within the required period, the tenant may sue for double (2x) the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may only deduct for unpaid rent, unpaid utilities that are the tenant's contractual responsibility, and actual damages to the unit beyond normal wear and tear. The landlord must provide an itemized written statement of all deductions along with any remaining deposit within the deadline.
New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.) is one of the strongest tenant-protection statutes in the country and applies fully to renters in Haddon. Landlords must have a legally recognized just cause to evict any residential tenant.
Just Cause Grounds for Eviction (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1): Lawful grounds for eviction include nonpayment of rent, habitual late payment, disorderly conduct, substantial damage to the unit, violation of a lease term after written notice to cease, failure to pay a rent increase that is not unconscionable, and certain owner-occupancy scenarios. The specific grounds determine the type and length of notice required.
Notice Requirements:
Court Process: After the notice period expires without cure or compliance, the landlord must file a Complaint for Possession in the Special Civil Part of Camden County Superior Court. Both parties are notified of a hearing date. The tenant has the right to appear and contest the eviction. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, a Judgment for Possession is entered and the tenant has a brief period to vacate voluntarily.
Warrant for Removal: If the tenant does not vacate after judgment, the landlord must obtain a Warrant for Removal, which is served by a court officer. The tenant generally has a 3-day notice period after the warrant is posted before physical lockout (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.16).
Self-Help Eviction Is Illegal: A landlord may never remove a tenant by changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off heat or utilities, or using physical force or threats. Doing so exposes the landlord to liability for damages and attorney's fees under N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 et seq. Tenants who experience a self-help lockout should contact local police and legal aid immediately.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to keep this content accurate and up to date, landlord-tenant laws — including statutes, local ordinances, and court interpretations — can change at any time. The content on this page may not reflect recent legislative or regulatory changes. Renters in Haddon, NJ who have specific legal questions or are facing an eviction, security deposit dispute, or habitability issue should consult a licensed New Jersey attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and does not create an attorney-client relationship with any user.
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