NJ S2970

Residential landlords must accept rent payments made by cash, certified check, money order, personal check, or through federal, state, local rental assistance programs and charitable organizations, in addition to any electronic payment methods they offer.

Landlords cannot require tenants to pay rent exclusively through electronic funds transfer, including automatic recurring payment systems.

Violations carry a $2,000 penalty per offense, enforceable through summary proceedings initiated by the Commissioner of Community Affairs or Attorney General.

Tenants may bring a separate civil action to recover $2,000 per violation plus attorney's fees, court costs, and expert witness expenses.

If a tenant's personal check bounces for insufficient funds, the tenant pays associated fees and the landlord may prohibit that tenant from using personal checks for future rent payments.