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    New Jersey Rent Increase Law

    New Jersey requires at least 30 days' notice before a rent increase takes effect, and longer notice in some cases.

    Last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    New Jersey rent increase rules at a glance

    Notice of a rent increase30 days (Fixed-term leases: no increase mid-term; the old lease must end and a new lease at the higher rent be offered. Municipal rent control ordinances may impose longer notice or limit the amount)N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f), N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting
    Rent controlSet by local law onlyNJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), 'Rent Control/Rent Increases', N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f)
    Ending a month-to-month tenancy30 days (either side)N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56, N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2

    What New Jersey law says

    How much notice is required for a rent increase in New Jersey?

    To raise rent, a New Jersey landlord must serve a valid notice to quit along with notice of the increase, which on a month-to-month tenancy means at least one full month before the new rent starts, and the increase may not be unconscionable (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f); 2A:18-56(b)).

    Does New Jersey have rent control?

    New Jersey has no statewide rent control, but municipalities may adopt rent control or rent leveling ordinances, so check the local ordinance before raising rent (NJ DCA, Truth in Renting; N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(f)) (NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), 'Rent Control/Rent Increases').

    How much notice ends a month-to-month tenancy in New Jersey?

    Most New Jersey landlords cannot end a month-to-month tenancy without a statutory good cause under the Anti-Eviction Act; owners of owner-occupied buildings with two or fewer rental units may end it with one month's notice to quit (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1; 2A:18-56(b)).

    How New Jersey compares

    12 of 51 verified jurisdictions require more than 30 days.

    New York follows the same rule as New Jersey; 2 of its 3 neighbors differ.

    Rent-increase noticeStates
    30 days (more in some cases)New Jersey, New York
    60 days (more in some cases)Delaware
    No statewide periodPennsylvania

    Local rules in New Jersey

    Many New Jersey municipalities have rent control or rent leveling ordinances, which can add rules on rent increases and sometimes late fees.

    Other New Jersey rules

    Security deposit limit1.5 months' rent (with exceptions)N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), p. 12, citing N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2 and 46:8-26, N.J.S.A. 46:8-26
    Deposit return deadline30 days after the lease endsN.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), pp. 13–14, citing N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1
    Late-fee capNo state capNJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), pp. 2–3 and 18–19, N.J.S.A. 2A:42-6.1 to -6.3
    Entry notice24 hours' noticeN.J.A.C. 5:10-5.1(c)
    Notice for unpaid rentNo state ruleN.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1(a), 2A:18-61.2, NJ DCA, Truth in Renting (rev. Aug. 2025), 'Causes for Eviction'

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