Edison rent control: maximum rent increase (2026)
Middlesex County — Chapter 17, § 17-4, Fair Rental Housing Regulations. Full ordinance text ↗
Summary
- Cap formula
- A flat 5% per annum cap on the base rent; hardship or capital improvement surcharges (up to 15% of rent) may be separately approved by the Fair Rental Housing Board.
- Frequency
- once per 12 months
- Notice required
- 60 days — Written notice at least 60 days before the increase takes effect, detailing the prior rent, the amount of the increase in dollars, and the new base rent sought.
- Who's covered
- Buildings with 3 or more housing units
- Exemptions
- Motels, hotels, and similar dwellings
- Buildings in which up to 1/3 of occupied floor space is commercial
- Housing with fewer than 3 units
- new construction (30 yrs from certificate of occupancy, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.2)
- Vacancy decontrol
- Upon vacancy and re-rental to a new tenant, landlords may negotiate any mutually agreeable initial rent; the 5% cap applies to increases thereafter. Landlord must file amendments within 30 days and certify the vacancy was voluntary, not induced by harassment. DCA notes decontrol lasts until 12 months after re-rental.
- Registration
- Annual registration required by January 15 with the Municipal Clerk for properties with multiple dwelling units, including rental rates, unit details, and owner information.
- Surcharges
- Hardship surcharges available only after a Fair Rental Housing Board public hearing upon a finding the landlord cannot meet mortgage, tax, or operating expenses; limited to one year unless reconsidered. Capital improvement surcharges may be permitted up to but not exceeding 15% of the amount of the rent.
- Penalties
- Municipal Court fines: $200 for a first offense, with escalating penalties for subsequent violations; each affected unit counts as a separate violation.
- Status
- active
- Confidence
- high
- Last verified
- 2026-09-23
Calculate your maximum increase
Ordinance text
no landlord shall request or receive a percentage increase in rent above the base rent which is greater than the percentage five (5%) percent per annum.Chapter 17, § 17-4, Fair Rental Housing Regulations — https://ecode360.com/34711072#34711244
State survey entry
- Increase limit
- 5%. Hardship or capital improvement increases may be approved by the Rent Board, but capital improvement increases shall not exceed 15% of rent.
- Units covered
- 3+
- Exceptions
- Exception(s) - Motels, hotels, similar dwellings, buildings in which up to 1/3 of the occupied floor space is commercial, and housing in which there are less than 3 housing units. Vacancy Decontrol until 12 months after re-rental.
Source: NJ Department of Community Affairs, 2026 Rent Control Survey — nj.gov
Rent board
Fair Rental Housing Board · (732) 248-7259 · https://www.edisonnj.org/departments/boards_and_committees/fair_rental_housing_board.php
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