No, New Jersey doesn’t have a law requiring renters insurance. But landlords are allowed to require it in the lease, and plenty of them do. More and more won’t hand over the keys until you show proof. If your lease says you need it, you need it.
Even if yours doesn’t, here’s the part people miss. Your landlord’s insurance covers their building, not your couch, laptop or bike. If a pipe bursts upstairs or someone breaks in, the landlord’s home insurance in New Jersey fixes the walls, and replacing your things is on you. Renters insurance also includes liability coverage in case a guest gets hurt in your place, and it can help with hotel costs if you can’t stay there after a covered loss.
One more thing if you’re renting down the shore. Renters policies don’t cover flood, so if you’re in a flood-prone spot, ask about contents coverage through a New Jersey flood policy. It’s a small add for a lot of peace of mind when the bay decides to visit.