Tenant placement and leasing in South Jersey

The steps between yes and move-in day

1. Confirm the approved applicant, move-in date, first payment and deposit amount.
2. Prepare a clear written lease and review the key terms with the tenant.
3. Collect the deposit and handle it the way New Jersey's Rent Security Deposit Act requires.
4. Provide required documents, including the state's Truth in Renting statement for most rentals.
5. Confirm required certificates are in place, such as the smoke and carbon monoxide certificate at change of occupancy.
6. Walk through and photograph the home, hand over keys and set up rent payments.

Security deposits in New Jersey

New Jersey caps deposits at one and a half months' rent and sets rules for where the money is held, how the tenant is told about it and when it is returned. Our NJ security deposit guide walks through each rule.

Certificates before the keys change hands

Depending on the property and the town, a change of tenant can trigger a municipal rental inspection or certificate of occupancy, the smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm and fire extinguisher certificate, and a lead-safe inspection for homes built before 1978. We plan these into the move-in timeline so a new tenant is not left waiting.

Why the move-in record matters

Dated photos of every room are the fairest way to settle the deposit at move-out. Tenants get a clear picture of what is expected, and owners have evidence if there is damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Placement for family homes in Washington Township has its own timing around the school year: see tenant placement in Washington Township.