New Jersey Rental Process​

Application Process

1. RentSpree — Rental Application

Please visit RentSpree and complete the rental application for each occupant over the age of 18.

Apply Here

2. Submit Required Documents

Once the application is completed, reply to the email with the following documents in PDF format (ID & photo may be JPG).

3. Await The Decision

We will review your complete application and follow up with a decision typically within 2–3 business days. You will be contacted by email or phone.

Required Documents

Are You a Business Owner?

Please provide your previous 2 years of tax returns in PDF format.

How Do I Show Proof of Funds?

Please provide your most recent 2 months of bank statements in PDF format.

Can the Landlord Request Additional Information?

Yes, the landlord may request additional documentation as part of the application process.

Are You Currently Employed?

Please provide your previous 2 months of pay stubs and/or a letter verifying employment.

What Identification Is Required?

Please provide a photocopy of your state ID or other valid identification.

Where Should I Send My Documents?

Please email all required documents to sales@mjgrouprealestate.com.

Your Rights as a NJ Tenant

Security Deposit Limits

Landlords may collect no more than 1.5 months' rent as a security deposit. It must be held in a dedicated interest-bearing account and returned with interest within 30 days of move-out.

Habitability & Repairs

All rental units must be maintained in a safe, livable condition. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or arrange repairs at the landlord's cost.

Anti-discrimination

The NJ Law Against Discrimination (LAD) prohibits housing discrimination based on race, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and source of income including housing vouchers.

Just-Cause Eviction

Landlords must have a legally recognized reason to evict such as nonpayment or lease violation. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings) are illegal in NJ.

Rent Increase Notice

Landlords typically must give written notice before raising rent, usually 30 days for month-to-month tenants. Some cities with rent control may require longer notice or limit increases.

Court-Only Evictions

A landlord must go through Special Civil Part (Landlord-Tenant Court) to evict any tenant. Tenants have the right to appear, contest, and request time to pay or relocate.

new York City Rental Process​

Application Proccess

Standard Requirements:

  • Annual income of at least 40x the monthly rent (e.g., $120,000/year for a $3,000/month apartment)
  • Credit score of 650–700+ — higher scores are strongly preferred in competitive buildings
  • 2–3 most recent pay stubs and employment verification or offer letter
  • 2 most recent bank statements (checking and savings)
  • Most recent 2 years of tax returns (W-2s or 1099s)
  • Personal and/or professional reference letters
  • Government-issued photo ID for all applicants
  • Landlord reference from current or previous landlord

Condo / co-op vs. rental building

Condo and co-op buildings typically have stricter requirements, higher application fees, and larger move-in/move-out fees than standard rental buildings. Board approval may be required, adding weeks to the process.

Requirements are less flexible and rejections are common even with strong financials. Standard rental buildings are generally faster and more flexible.

Pro Tips

◆ Prepare a full "rental package" PDF before you start touring — include all documents in one file.

◆ Self-employed applicants should also prepare a CPA letter confirming income

◆ If income is below 40x, a guarantor (co-signer) may be accepted — some buildings require 80x income from a guarantor

Your Rights as a NYC Tenant

Rent Stabilization

Many NYC apartments are rent-stabilized, capping annual rent increases set by the Rent Guidelines Board. Tenants have the right to renewal leases and cannot be arbitrarily removed from stabilization.

Just-Cause Eviction

Rent-stabilized tenants may only be evicted for specific legal reasons. NYC's Good Cause Eviction law (2024) extends similar protections to many non-stabilized tenants citywide.

Anti-discrimination

The NYC Human Rights Law (NYCHRL) is among the broadest in the nation, protecting tenants from discrimination based on source of income, lawful occupation, immigration status, and more.

Application Fee Limits

Landlords may only charge for the actual cost of a background or credit check, capped at $20. No other application or processing fees are permitted under NYC law.

Security Deposit Cap

Security deposits are capped at one month's rent for all residential tenants. Landlords must return the deposit within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement of any deductions.

Right to Repairs

Landlords must maintain units in a habitable condition and correct all Housing Maintenance Code violations. Tenants may file complaints with HPD (311) and request rent reductions for unresolved issues.

Lease Renewal Rights

Rent-stabilized tenants must receive a lease renewal offer 90–150 days before expiration. Landlords must provide at least 30–90 days notice of non-renewal for market-rate units depending on tenancy length.

Right to Counsel

NYC provides free legal representation to qualifying low-income tenants facing eviction in Housing Court through the Universal Access to Counsel program. Income limits apply.

Thinking About Renting?

We’ll guide you through every step of the rental process, from finding the right home to securing the best terms.

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