General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- New Jersey has no statewide rent control law, but municipalities may adopt rent control or rent leveling ordinances enforced by local boards.
- There is no statewide percentage cap, but a rent increase used to end a tenancy must not be unconscionable, and courts weigh the size of the increase, the landlord's costs and local market rents.
- To raise rent, the landlord serves a written notice ending the current term and offering a new tenancy at the higher rent, generally at least one month before the change takes effect.
New Jersey has no statewide rent control, but the state lets municipalities adopt their own rent control or rent leveling ordinances, and many have done so. Statewide, any increase must not be unconscionable.
New Jersey rent control at a glance
| Rule | New Jersey | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | New Jersey has no statewide rent control law, but municipalities may adopt rent control or rent leveling ordinances enforced by local boards. | Inganamort v. Borough of Fort Lee (N.J. 1973) and municipal ordinances |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide percentage cap, but a rent increase used to end a tenancy must not be unconscionable, and courts weigh the size of the increase, the landlord's costs and local market rents. | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f) (Anti-Eviction Act) |
| Notice before a rent increase | To raise rent, the landlord serves a written notice ending the current term and offering a new tenancy at the higher rent, generally at least one month before the change takes effect. | N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f) (Anti-Eviction Act) |
Does New Jersey have rent control?
Rent control status. New Jersey has no statewide rent control law, but municipalities may adopt rent control or rent leveling ordinances enforced by local boards. (Inganamort v. Borough of Fort Lee (N.J. 1973) and municipal ordinances)
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide percentage cap, but a rent increase used to end a tenancy must not be unconscionable, and courts weigh the size of the increase, the landlord's costs and local market rents. (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f) (Anti-Eviction Act))
City and county rules
Local ordinances. Many municipalities, including Newark, Jersey City and Hoboken, have their own rent control or rent leveling rules. (Municipal rent control ordinances)
Local ordinances. Newly built multiple dwellings are exempt from local rent control for 30 years after construction is completed. (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.5)
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. To raise rent, the landlord serves a written notice ending the current term and offering a new tenancy at the higher rent, generally at least one month before the change takes effect. (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f) (Anti-Eviction Act))
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these New Jersey rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a New Jersey attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Inganamort v. Borough of Fort Lee (N.J. 1973) and municipal ordinances
- N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f) (Anti-Eviction Act)
- Municipal rent control ordinances
- N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.5
Official sources
New Jersey forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Asked by landlords in this state.
Does New Jersey have rent control?
New Jersey has no statewide rent control law, but municipalities may adopt rent control or rent leveling ordinances enforced by local boards. Source: Inganamort v. Borough of Fort Lee (N.J. 1973) and municipal ordinances.
How much can rent go up in a year in New Jersey?
There is no statewide percentage cap, but a rent increase used to end a tenancy must not be unconscionable, and courts weigh the size of the increase, the landlord's costs and local market rents. Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f) (Anti-Eviction Act).
Do cities in New Jersey have their own rent rules?
Many municipalities, including Newark, Jersey City and Hoboken, have their own rent control or rent leveling rules. Newly built multiple dwellings are exempt from local rent control for 30 years after construction is completed. Source: Municipal rent control ordinances; N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.5.