njrentcontrol

Rutherford rent control: maximum rent increase (2026)

Bergen County — Chapter 83A, Rent Control. Full ordinance text ↗

Summary

Cap formula
Standard annual increase up to 4%, compounded annually; reduced to 2.5% for tenants 65+ (or disabled) with combined gross household income of $50,000 or less.
Frequency
once per 12 months
Notice required
30 days — Landlord must send notice by regular and certified mail at least one full month before the increase becomes effective, including calculations, and must also file the notice with the Rent Board 60 days before the increase's effective date.
Who's covered
Multiple dwellings with 4 or more units
Exemptions
  • new (first) rentals are exempt from restrictions on initial rent
  • new construction (30 yrs from certificate of occupancy, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.2)
Vacancy decontrol
Upon voluntary vacancy, landlord may set an unrestricted new rent, subject to a non-coercion certification (or applicable exception); another vacancy increase may not be taken within 36 months.
Registration
Every multiple-dwelling owner must register with the Borough Clerk within 30 days, providing unit counts and the rent charged as of 12/30/1973.
Surcharges
Tax surcharge at lease termination based on municipal property-tax increases; tenant liability capped at the tax increase per room times the number of rooms, payable in 12 monthly installments.
Penalties
Willful violation: fine up to $500 and/or up to 90 days imprisonment.
Status
active
Confidence
high
Last verified
2026-09-23

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Ordinance text

maximum of 4% in each twelve-month period, said annual increases to be compounded annually (§83A-2B(1)); maximum of 2.5% in each twelve-month period (§83A-2B(2) and (3))Chapter 83A, Rent Control — https://ecode360.com/11346002

State survey entry

Increase limit
4% 2.5% if all tenants age 65+ and have a combined gross income of $50,000 or less.
Units covered
4+
Exceptions
If a 4+ unit dwelling is converted to a 3-unit dwelling, the existing tenants will still be protected by rent controls (not new tenants). Vacancy Decontrol (until re-rented).

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

Open questions

Rent board

Rent Board · (201) 460-3000 ext- 3114 · https://www.rutherfordboronj.com/committees/rent-board/

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