njrentcontrol

Caldwell rent control: maximum rent increase (2026)

Essex County — Chapter 182, Rent Control. Full ordinance text ↗

Summary

Cap formula
A flat annual increase not to exceed 2.75% of the previous year's rent (no rent-level tiers currently in effect), computed on the base rent excluding any capital-improvement or service surcharges.
Frequency
once per 12 months
Notice required
30 days — At least 30 days prior to the effective date of any rent increase, the landlord must give notice to tenants by reasonable means (with a signed receipt required if not mailed to the tenant's residence). The notice must be signed by the landlord under oath and must set forth the prior monthly base rent, any prior surcharge, the new monthly rent, the effective date, the affected unit's address, and the date/amount of the most recent prior increase, plus a certification of compliance with health, safety and housing codes and payment of property taxes.
Who's covered
Housing space units in dwellings with 2 or more units
Exemptions
  • First-time rental
  • Single-unit dwellings
  • 2-unit dwellings in which the owner occupies one unit
  • new construction (30 yrs from certificate of occupancy, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.2)
Vacancy decontrol
Upon voluntary, uncoerced vacation of a housing space unit, the landlord may fix the rent for the vacated unit as deemed appropriate; however, for dwellings in which the owner rents 4 or more housing space units, the vacancy rent may not exceed 25% greater than the amount otherwise permitted. A relocating tenant moving to another vacant unit in the same dwelling is limited to a 10% increase (rather than 25%) under the same section.
Registration
A valid rent license is required before any rent increase may be charged (§182-11G); licensing/inspection provisions formerly in §182-7 were repealed in 2014 and moved to Chapter 131, Housing.
Surcharges
Capital improvement surcharge available where the improvement inures to the benefit of tenants and materially adds to the value of the housing space; allocated among tenants by room count and collected in monthly installments equal to 1/12 of the tenant's allocated share. A hardship/adequate-return increase is also available where operating expenses exceed 60% of gross maximized annual income.
Penalties
A violation of any provision of the chapter, including willful filing of a material misstatement of fact, is punishable by a fine not exceeding $2,000, imprisonment for a term not exceeding 90 days, community service not exceeding 90 days, or a combination thereof; the Board may also deny further rent increases or surcharges. Each violation affecting a housing space is a separate violation.
Status
active
Confidence
medium
Last verified
2026-09-23

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Ordinance text

The increase in rent permitted under this section shall not exceed: 2 3/4% of previous year's rent.Chapter 182, Rent Control — https://ecode360.com/9991784

State survey entry

Increase limit
Under $299/month: 6%, $300-499 inclusive/month: 5%, $450-749 inclusive/month: 3.75%, $750+/month: 2.75%
Units covered
2+
Exceptions
Exception(s) - First-time rental, single unit dwellings and 2 unit dwellings in which the owner occupies one unit, owner may charge 25% greater than otherwise for any dwelling in which the owner rents 4+ units. Vacancy Decontrol, 4+ unit dwellings limited to 25% increase. Other vacancy policies are also listed.

Source: NJ Department of Community Affairs, 2026 Rent Control Survey — nj.gov

Open questions

Rent board

Rent Review Board · (973) 226-6100 · https://caldwell-nj.com/rent

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