My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: NJ
Hello,
My ex was living in our rent controlled apartment for two years prior to my moving in and she paid the original deposit. When I moved in, about ten years ago, my name was added to the lease and I'm sure I paid her a portion of the deposit fee but can't prove it.
A few years ago our town (Morristown) did away with rent control but all existing tenents were grandfathered in and have remained on rent control.
Now, our relationship is over and she's moving out. I would like to have her name removed from the lease because I don't want her to have any legal access to this apartment. She wants her original security deposit back.
Question: Will removing her name from the lease constitute a "new tenancy" and knock me off of rent control even though I have been on the lease for ten years?
Does the landlord have to return her original deposit if she demands it OR can I pay her for the deposit and have the deposit monies with the landlord transfered to my name?
OR, Will I have to pay a security deposit based on today's rental amount or on the amount in effect when I moved in ten years ago? Will this constitute a "new tenancy"?
I offered to pay her $10K to move out but if I will no longer be on rent control and have to pay current market value, I will have to re-think my plans.
Thanks.

