What is considered rent gouging in New Jersey?

Rent gouging in New Jersey may occur if a landlord raises rent by an excessive amount, violates local rent control laws, discriminates, retaliates, or increases rent during a state of emergency where increases are banned.

How much notice must a New Jersey landlord give before raising rent?

Landlords must generally provide at least 30 days written notice before raising rent, but some municipalities may require more notice or limit increases further.

Where can I report an unlawful rent increase or rent gouging?

You can report unlawful rent increases to your local rent control board, the Special Civil Part of Superior Court, or the NJ Division on Civil Rights if discrimination or retaliation is involved.

What official form do I use to challenge a rent-related eviction?

Use the Landlord-Tenant Complaint (LT-1) Form to challenge an unlawful eviction or rental dispute; file it with the Superior Court, Special Civil Part.

Understanding Rent Gouging Laws for New Jersey Renters

Rent, Fees & Security Deposits New Jersey published: June 21, 2025

If you're renting a home or apartment in New Jersey, it's important to know your rights when it comes to rent increases. While New Jersey does not have statewide rent control, it does protect renters from "rent gouging"—when a landlord raises the rent by an excessive, unfair, or discriminatory amount. This article explains what counts as rent gouging under New Jersey law, what you can do if you believe your rent increase is excessive, and how the process works if you need to challenge a rent hike.

How Does New Jersey Define Rent Gouging?

"Rent gouging" refers to a landlord charging a rent amount that is considered unreasonably high, especially during certain emergencies or in municipalities with rent regulations. Under New Jersey law, there’s no universal rent cap statewide, but there are restrictions on sharp and unfair increases in several cities and during states of emergency.

No statewide rent control, but many New Jersey towns enact local rent control ordinances.
During a declared state of emergency (e.g., natural disasters or pandemics), rent increases may be temporarily capped or prohibited.
Unfair or discriminatory increases are illegal under the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act and other fair housing laws.^[1]

Before raising rent, New Jersey landlords must give written notice—typically at least 30 days in advance—except where stricter local rules apply.^[2]

When Is a Rent Increase Considered Unlawful?

A rent increase in New Jersey may be considered unfair or unlawful if:

It violates a local rent control ordinance (check with your city or town's municipal office).
It is done in retaliation (for example, after you file a complaint).
It discriminates based on race, nationality, gender, or other protected characteristics.
It occurs during a declared state of emergency that explicitly prohibits increases.
It violates the terms of your lease or the New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act.

If you think your rent has been raised unfairly, you have options for challenging the increase and protecting your rights.

What Official Forms Are Available for New Jersey Renters?

Landlord-Tenant Complaint (Form LT-1): Use this form to initiate a legal claim if your landlord tries to evict you or raise rent in violation of your lease or local rent control laws.
Landlord-Tenant Complaint (LT-1).
Example: If your landlord gives you a large rent hike that’s not allowed by city law and then tries to evict you for nonpayment, file this form with your local court.
CEPA Complaint Form: If your landlord is retaliating because you asserted your legal rights, contact the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights and ask about their complaint process for discrimination or retaliation.

For more local forms, check with your city or township’s housing office or rent board.

How to Challenge an Unfair Rent Increase

If you believe your rent increase is excessive or breaks the law, here’s how to respond:

Step 1: Review your lease, local ordinances, and any emergency rules in place.
Step 2: Contact your local rent leveling board or municipal housing department. Ask if there is a limit on rent increases.
Step 3: Write a letter to your landlord, citing the law or ordinance you believe has been violated.
Step 4: If your landlord does not respond or refuses to reverse the increase, file a complaint using the Landlord-Tenant Complaint (LT-1) form or contact the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights for guidance.

If you’re not sure if your rent increase is legal, check your city’s official website or contact New Jersey’s Department of Community Affairs for help.

The landlord-tenant disputes in New Jersey are handled by the Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part (Landlord-Tenant Section).^[3]

FAQ: Rent Gouging for New Jersey Renters

What is considered rent gouging in New Jersey?
A rent increase that is excessively high, violates local rent control, is discriminatory, retaliatory, or imposed during a state of emergency can be challenged as rent gouging.
How much notice must a New Jersey landlord give before raising rent?
Usually, at least 30 days written notice. Some cities require more notice or limit frequency and amount of increases; check your local ordinance.
What do I do if my landlord tries to evict me for not paying unfair rent?
You may file a Landlord-Tenant Complaint (LT-1) with the court and present evidence that the increase was unlawful.
Where do I report unlawful rent increases?
Start with your municipal rent control board (if applicable) or file a complaint with the Special Civil Part of the Superior Court, or the Division on Civil Rights for retaliation or discrimination.

Key Takeaways for New Jersey Renters

New Jersey protects renters from unfair and discriminatory rent increases but does not set a statewide rent cap.
Local city ordinances and emergency declarations may limit rent hikes—know your municipality’s rules.
If you believe you’re a victim of rent gouging, gather evidence, check your local laws, and use official forms to challenge the increase.

Understanding your rights helps you make informed choices and respond effectively to unfair rent demands.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

NJ Department of Community Affairs — Landlord-Tenant Information
Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part - Landlord-Tenant Division
New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act
Contact your local rent control board or municipal housing office for city-specific rules.
NJ Division on Civil Rights — to report discrimination or retaliation

New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.
Rent Control in New Jersey: A Summary, NJ Department of Community Affairs
Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part — Landlord-Tenant Section