N.J. Stat. Ann. § 46:8-1 et seq. § 46:8-49.1
Landlord prohibited from requiring electronic payments from tenants
Operative Text
2. No landlord shall require a tenant or prospective tenant to remit any amount due to the landlord pursuant to a residential lease, renewal, or extension agreement by means of electronic funds transfer, including but not limited to an electronic funds transfer system that automatically transfers funds on a regular, periodic, and recurring basis. A landlord who violates this section shall be subject to the penalty provisions of section 5 of P.L.1975, c.310 (C.46:8-47). L.2019, c.300, s.2.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-49.1, New Jersey landlords are prohibited from making electronic funds transfer the only accepted payment method for rent or other amounts owed under a residential lease, including renewals and extensions. This applies to all forms of electronic payment, including automatic recurring transfers. Landlords who violate this rule are subject to the penalty provisions established under N.J.S.A. 46:8-47.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.S.A. 46:8-49.1, compliant residential landlords in New Jersey ensure that tenants always have at least one non-electronic payment option available for rent and other lease-related charges. This applies at every stage of the tenancy, including lease renewals and extensions, meaning payment policies should be reviewed whenever a new agreement is signed. Violations of this section expose landlords to the civil penalty framework set out in N.J.S.A. 46:8-47.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 46:8-49.1 gives New Jersey residential tenants the right to refuse an electronic-only payment requirement — a landlord cannot mandate that rent or other lease amounts be paid solely by electronic funds transfer, including automatic recurring transfers. If a landlord imposes such a requirement, that conduct may constitute a violation subject to penalties under N.J.S.A. 46:8-47. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated may consider documenting the payment demand, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether a complaint can be raised with the appropriate New Jersey enforcement authority.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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