Rent control · New Jersey · Municipal rent control ordinances (~100 municipalities)
New Jersey Rent Control 2026: Which Cities Cap Rent Increases
New Jersey leaves rent control to its municipalities, and about a hundred of them have an ordinance — most of the larger cities in Hudson, Essex, Bergen and Passaic counties. Caps are usually tied to CPI (Jersey City, Hoboken) or a flat percentage (Newark: CPI-based with a ceiling; Elizabeth, Paterson and others in the 3–5% range). Statewide, the Anti-Eviction Act requires good cause to evict in nearly every rental, and increases must not be "unconscionable".
~100municipalities with caps
Nostatewide cap
CPI or 3–5%typical local cap
Anti-Eviction Actstatewide just cause
Cities with rent control (examples)
Newark — CPI-based cap with a ceiling, most pre-existing multi-unit buildings
Jersey City — CPI-based annual cap for buildings of 5+ units built before 1988 (check the current ordinance)
Hoboken — CPI-based cap, buildings built before 1987
Elizabeth, Paterson, Passaic, Bayonne, Union City, West New York, Edison, Irvington, East Orange — fixed-percentage or CPI caps
Always check the municipal code: exemptions for new construction (typically 30 years) and small owner-occupied buildings are common
Statewide rules that apply everywhere
The Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1): good cause required to evict in most rentals
An "unconscionable" rent increase is a defense to eviction even without local rent control
Notice: at least one full rental period (30 days for month-to-month) after the lease ends
Security deposit capped at 1.5 months
Frequently asked
Is there rent control in my town?
Search your municipality's code (usually online via eCode360 or the town site) for "rent control" or "rent leveling"; the ordinance names the covered buildings and the annual cap.
Last reviewed September 15, 2026 against NJ Department of Community Affairs — Truth in Renting. Figures we re-check each year: Newark and Jersey City current percentages. General information for landlords and renters, not legal advice; local rules can add requirements.
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