What is wear and tear considered in the state of NJ?
The concept of wear and tear is very fact specific. The fact you have a child has no bearing whatsoever on acceptable wear and tear. The usual procedure in NJ is that the Tenant pays a security deposit. The Landlord must deposit the security in an interest-bearing account, and inform the tenant writing where it is located. At the conclusion of the tenancy, the Landlord has 30 days to provide an accounting to the tenant (which states how much was given, what the interest to date is, any substraction for repairs, ) and payment to the tenant of the balance. The L also must register the apartment in the local town hall. If any of these were not done, you have the right after 30 days to file suit for 2x the security deposit. Simply write to the L and tell him you have no intention of paying for the carpets. Make sure to take photos of the condition of the entire apartment before vacating. If he sues you in court for the replacement of the carpets, you will have proof that the carpets were i
