If you’re a renter in New Jersey, you may have heard of recent changes in rent increase laws, especially with new rules taking effect in 2025. Rent increases are something all tenants face at some point, but understanding your rights as a renter can help you navigate these changes more easily.
In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know about rent increases in New Jersey, how much landlords can raise rent, and how you can protect yourself under the law.
Can Rent Be Increased in New Jersey?
Yes, landlords in New Jersey are allowed to increase the rent on rental properties, but there are rules they must follow.
The state does not have a statewide rent control law (except for certain rent-controlled areas like some cities), which means rent increases are generally determined by the landlord, as long as they are reasonable and follow specific guidelines.
The key things to remember are that landlords cannot increase rent at any time without notice, and there are limits on how much rent can be increased in some areas, particularly in cities with rent control regulations.
Rent Control in New Jersey
Some areas in New Jersey have local rent control laws, which limit how much landlords can increase the rent. These laws apply to older rental buildings, generally those built before a certain year, and are intended to keep housing affordable for tenants.
However, rent control laws vary by city. For example:
Newark and Jersey City have rent control laws that regulate how much and how often landlords can raise rent.
Other cities, like Trenton and Atlantic City, may have specific rent control measures in place as well.
If you live in an area with rent control, there will be limits on how much your rent can increase each year, and the increase is often tied to inflation or a specific percentage of the current rent.
New Jersey Rent Increase Rules for 2025
In 2025, New Jersey tenants can expect a few important changes and clarifications to rent increase laws. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Notice Requirement
Landlords must give tenants written notice before increasing rent. The notice must be given at least 30 days before the new rent goes into effect. For long-term leases (one year or more), the notice must be given at least 60 days in advance.
2. Limits on Rent Increases
While New Jersey doesn’t have statewide rent control, some cities do. In places like Jersey City, rent increases cannot exceed a certain percentage each year. In areas without rent control, there is no set limit, but rent increases must still be fair and non-discriminatory.
3. Rent Increases During a Lease
If you are currently in a lease, your landlord generally cannot raise your rent until the lease expires, unless the lease agreement specifically allows for rent increases within its term. Once the lease ends, your landlord can propose a new rent amount.
For month-to-month tenants, however, a rent increase can happen as long as the proper notice is given and it follows the guidelines set by local laws.
4. Rent Stabilization Laws in Specific Areas
Some cities in New Jersey have rent stabilization laws, especially those with older housing or high demand. These laws limit the amount by which rent can increase annually. For example:
In Jersey City, the increase is generally limited to a certain percentage each year, based on inflation.
In Newark, rent increases are controlled for buildings built before 1987, and limits are tied to inflation as well.
5. Exceptions for New Construction
In most cases, new buildings or newly constructed apartments are not subject to rent control. If you’re living in a newly built building, the landlord can generally increase the rent as they see fit once the lease term expires.
How Can Tenants Protect Themselves from Unfair Rent Increases?
Here are some ways tenants can protect themselves from unfair or sudden rent hikes:
Understand Your Lease: Always read your lease agreement carefully to understand whether it includes any rent increase clauses and how they are structured.
Know Local Rent Control Laws: If you live in a city with rent control, be sure to understand the rules. Local housing authorities can give you information about your rights.
Request a Rent Breakdown: If your rent increase feels unreasonable, you can ask your landlord for a detailed breakdown of why the increase is being proposed.
Consult Legal Aid: If you believe your landlord is violating rent laws or trying to raise your rent unfairly, seek help from a tenant’s rights organization or an attorney.
Can Rent Increases Be Challenged in New Jersey?
Yes, tenants in New Jersey can challenge rent increases if they believe the increase violates local rent control laws or is excessive under the state’s rules. If you feel your rent increase is too high or unfair, you can file a complaint with your local housing authority, or in some cases, you might have the option to take legal action.
It’s important to remember that if you are in an area without rent control laws, the law doesn’t limit how much your landlord can increase rent, but it does require that the increase is reasonable and follows proper notification procedures.
New Jersey rent increase laws are designed to balance the interests of both landlords and tenants. While the state doesn’t have a uniform rent control law, several cities have local rules in place to protect tenants from excessive rent hikes.
Always be aware of the specific rules in your area, know your rights, and make sure your landlord follows the proper procedures when proposing a rent increase.
By staying informed about New Jersey’s rent increase laws in 2025, you can protect yourself from unfair rent hikes and ensure that any changes to your rent are done fairly and legally.
