New Jersey Rules: Rent Increases After Accessibility Upgrades

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations New Jersey published: June 21, 2025 Flag of New Jersey

If you live in New Jersey and your landlord has made upgrades to your rental to make it more accessible—like adding ramps or widening doorways—you might wonder if your rent can go up. Understanding how New Jersey laws protect renters with disabilities, and what limits exist for rent increases after these upgrades, is important for your rights and peace of mind.

How Accessibility Upgrades Affect Rent in New Jersey

Under both federal and state law, landlords must allow reasonable modifications for tenants with disabilities. In most cases, a landlord cannot increase your rent just because you requested or made approved accessibility upgrades. However, there are exceptions depending on who paid for the improvements and the type of building.

Who Pays for Accessibility Modifications?

  • If the tenant pays for the upgrade (for example, installing grab bars or a ramp at their own expense), the landlord cannot increase the rent due to these changes.
  • If the landlord voluntarily pays for and makes additional upgrades beyond what is legally required, they may seek a rent increase in some situations—but must follow strict notice and approval rules.

New Jersey law and the federal Fair Housing Act both prohibit discrimination and ensure equal housing opportunity for renters with disabilities.[1] Landlords in New Jersey are also governed by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.[2]

Rules for Rent Increases After Accessibility Upgrades

In most New Jersey rentals, a landlord must follow state and local rules regarding notice for any rent increase, including after accessibility upgrades. Here are some basic principles:

  • A landlord must provide at least one full rental period's notice (usually 30 days) before increasing rent.[3]
  • Local rent control ordinances may strictly limit or prohibit rent increases for improvements, including accessibility upgrades, without approval from a municipal board.
  • If an accessibility modification is required by law or is at the tenant's expense, rent cannot be increased as a result.

Landlords who wish to increase rent due to major capital improvements (which could include accessibility features in some cases) in municipalities with rent control must apply for approval with the local rent board.

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Required Forms and Notices

  • Notice to Increase Rent (No official form number): This written notice must be provided to the tenant, specifying the new rent and the date it will take effect. Example: If your lease is month-to-month and your landlord wants to raise your rent due to major upgrades, you should receive a written letter or form at least one month before the increase. See official guidance here.
  • Local Rent Control Board Application: In cities with rent control, landlords must obtain approval for rent increases tied to improvements. The process and required forms vary by municipality. Example: In Newark, landlords must use the Newark Rent Control Board Application to request a permissible rent increase.

Where to Dispute an Improper Rent Increase

If you believe a rent increase due to accessibility upgrades is unfair or violates your rights, you can:

Always keep written records of communications, notices, and completed forms to protect your rights if you need to dispute a rent increase.

Applicable State Legislation and Tribunals

New Jersey’s rental laws relevant to accessibility and rent increases include:

The official tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes in New Jersey is the New Jersey Superior Court - Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section.[4] Disputes about rent increases or disability accommodations can be heard here if they cannot be resolved elsewhere.

FAQ: Rent Increases and Accessibility Upgrades in New Jersey

  1. Can my landlord increase my rent because I requested disability modifications?
    No. If you paid for disability-related modifications or the law required them, the landlord cannot raise your rent as a result.
  2. Does my landlord need approval to increase rent for accessibility upgrades in a rent-controlled city?
    Yes, the landlord must apply to the local rent control board, and you have the right to be notified and participate in the process.
  3. What should I do if I think my rent was increased unfairly due to accessibility improvements?
    Contact your local rent control board, the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights, or file a case with the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court.
  4. Are there official forms for rent increase notices in New Jersey?
    While there is no state-required standard form, landlords must give written notice; city rent boards may offer their own forms.
  5. Can my landlord ask me to restore the property after accessibility upgrades?
    If you installed the modification at your own expense, the landlord can generally require you to restore the property to its original condition at the end of your tenancy, unless it would be unreasonable to do so.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

  • Landlords in New Jersey cannot raise your rent solely because of legally required or tenant-funded accessibility modifications.
  • Written notice and, in some places, rent board approval are needed for any rent increases tied to major improvements.
  • If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory or against the rules, resources and legal avenues exist to help you challenge it.

Understanding the law and knowing where to find help gives you more control as a renter facing modifications or rent adjustments.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

  1. Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)
  2. New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (N.J.S.A. 10:5-1 et seq.)
  3. Truth in Renting Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-43 et seq.)
  4. New Jersey Superior Court – Special Civil Part, Landlord/Tenant Section

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Bob Jones
Bob Jones

Editor & Researcher, Tenant Rights USA

Bob writes and reviews tenant law content for various regions. They’re passionate about housing justice and simplifying legal protections for renters everywhere.

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