Can my landlord increase the rent as much as they want after rent control ends?

There is no statewide cap on rent increases once rent control ends, but increases must follow proper notice rules and cannot be used to force tenants out.

How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?

Landlords in New Jersey generally must provide at least 30 days written notice before any rent increase or lease change.

What can I do if I believe a rent increase is unfair or retaliatory?

You can contact your municipal rent control board or file a complaint with the Special Civil Part of the New Jersey Superior Court.

Do I still have rights if my apartment is no longer rent-controlled?

Yes, you still have the right to proper notice, protections from retaliation, and a safe, habitable home under New Jersey law.

How Renters Transition from Rent Control to Market Rent in New Jersey

Q: Who handles complaints about rent increases in New Jersey?

Landlord-tenant complaints are handled by the Special Civil Part, Landlord-Tenant Section of the New Jersey Superior Court.

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization New Jersey published June 21, 2025

For renters in New Jersey, living in a rent-controlled or rent-stabilized apartment provides valuable protection against steep rent increases. But what happens if your apartment loses its rent-controlled status and moves to market rent? Understanding your rights, the notice process, and where to get help is crucial during this transition.

Understanding Rent Control and Market Rent in New Jersey

New Jersey does not have a statewide rent control law. Instead, rent control is managed by local ordinances—often set by a municipality's rent control board. "Market rent" means the rent your landlord can charge is determined by current market conditions, without local caps or restrictions. If your apartment shifts from rent control to market rent, the protections against sudden or large rent increases are removed.^[1]

When Can Apartments Lose Rent-Control Status?

There are certain scenarios where a unit may no longer be subject to municipal rent control, for example:

Owner move-in or owner-occupancy rules as defined in local ordinances
Vacancy decontrol (when a tenant moves out and new tenant enters), depending on municipal law
Expiration of local rent control ordinances
Exempt property types (e.g., newer constructions, small owner-occupied buildings)

Check your city or town's rent control ordinance for exact criteria. The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs explains more about local housing rules.

What Happens Next? Notice and Rent Increases

If your unit transitions to market rent, your landlord must still follow New Jersey state law regarding notice and rent increases:

Notice Period: For most tenants, at least 30 days' written notice before rent increases or changes to lease terms^[2]
Eviction Protections: The Truth in Renting Act and the Anti-Eviction Act safeguard tenants from retaliatory eviction or illegal increases^[3]
Maximum Increase: There is no statewide cap, but rent must be reasonable and not used to force the tenant out. Tenants can contest a rent increase if it appears retaliatory or unconscionable.

If you feel your rent increase is unfair or you did not receive proper notice, you can reach out to your municipality's housing office or the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs Landlord-Tenant Information Service.

Forms and Where to Get Help

Key Official Forms

Complaint Form – Landlord-Tenant (LT) Case
- Form Name: Verified Complaint, Special Civil Part, Landlord-Tenant (LT-1)
- How it's used: If you believe your landlord has violated rent increase or notice rules after your rent control ends, you can file this form in your county's Special Civil Part to start a formal complaint.
- Download and instructions from New Jersey Courts
Municipal Rent Leveling Board Forms
- If your city has a Rent Leveling Board, they may have forms to contest rent increases or request reviews. Check your municipality’s official website for resources.

If you are unsure about filing or believe your rent rights are being violated, consult your local housing office or seek free legal assistance before completing official forms.

Which Tribunal Handles Tenant Complaints?

In New Jersey, residential landlord-tenant disputes are handled by the Special Civil Part, Landlord-Tenant Section of the New Jersey Superior Court.^[4]

What Protections Remain for Renters?

Even in a market rent unit, important tenant protections remain:

Right to Proper Notice for any rent increase or nonrenewal
Protection from Discrimination and Retaliation
Landlords must maintain safe, habitable premises per the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs

You can find full details in the Truth in Renting Act Guide.

How to Respond if You Receive a Notice

Here are practical steps if you receive a notice about the end of rent control or a rent increase:

Verify the notice complies with your municipal and state rules
Request a written explanation from your landlord regarding the change
Contact your local Rent Control Board (if applicable) or municipal housing office for review
If you believe your rights were violated, file a complaint with the Special Civil Part

If you decide to contest, use the Landlord-Tenant Complaint Form and follow the instructions provided by the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my landlord increase the rent as much as they want after rent control ends?
There is no statewide cap on rent increases once rent control ends, but the increase must not be used to force you out and must comply with notice rules.
How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
Typically, your landlord must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before any rent increase or changes to your lease.
Can I contest a rent increase if I think it's unfair?
Yes, you can file a complaint with your local housing office or the Special Civil Part if you believe the increase is retaliatory, discriminatory, or unconscionable.
What should I do if I receive a notice saying my apartment is now market rent?
Review the notice carefully, verify municipal rules, and reach out to your local Rent Control Board or seek legal advice if needed.
Where do I file a formal complaint about rent increases in New Jersey?
Landlord-tenant disputes are handled by the Special Civil Part, Landlord-Tenant Section of the New Jersey Superior Court.

Key Takeaways

Renters in New Jersey may lose rent control due to local ordinance rules or vacancy decontrol.
Even if your apartment becomes market rent, you have the right to proper notice and basic habitability protections.
Tenants can contest unfair rent increases by contacting municipal boards or the state court system using official forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

NJ Department of Community Affairs – Landlord-Tenant Information (statewide rights, notices, habitability)
New Jersey Special Civil Part, Landlord-Tenant Section (file complaints and get forms)
Local rent control boards: Check your municipality’s homepage or housing department
Municipal Housing Offices Directory (find local contacts for issues about rent control)
Legal Services of New Jersey – Rent Control Resources (free legal help and FAQs)

See municipal ordinances; for statewide resource, visit NJ Department of Community Affairs Landlord-Tenant Info.
Truth in Renting Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-43 et seq.)
Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.)
New Jersey Courts – Landlord-Tenant Disputes