$5,000 Small Claims Limit for Security Deposit Actions, Effective January 1, 2004

NOTICE TO THE BAR

$5,000 Small Claims Limit for Security Deposit Actions, Effective January 1, 2004

Please be advised that effective January 1, 2004, L. 2003, c. 188 (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.4), confers jurisdiction on the Small Claims Section of the Special Civil Part to hear actions between landlords and tenants for the return of all or part of a security deposit in which the amount in dispute, including any applicable penalties, does not exceed $5,000, exclusive of costs.

This increase in the small claims monetary limit from $3,000 to $5,000 applies only to security deposit actions. The filing fees for all small claims, including these actions, remain $15.00 for one defendant, $2.00 for each additional defendant, and $4.00 per defendant for service of the summons, plus the Special Civil Part Officer's statutory mileage.

Richard J. Williams, J.A.D.
Administrative Director of the Courts
Dated: December 23, 2003