Newark, New Jersey · City renter rules · Updated Oct 2026

Newark Tenant Rights: Rent Control, Evictions (2026)

What is different for renters in Newark compared with New Jersey state law: rent control, eviction protections and repairs. In plain English from official city sources.

Short answer

Newark has rent control: most apartments can only get one rent increase per 12 months, tied to inflation (CPI) and never more than 4%; small owner-occupied buildings (up to 4 units) are exempt. Your landlord must be registered with the Office of Rent Control to raise the rent at all. Low-income tenants facing eviction can get a free city lawyer. Eviction protections (just cause) come from New Jersey state law.

Rent control
Yes (see the rule)
Just cause for eviction
No city rule
Relocation payments
No city rule
Free lawyer in eviction cases
Yes, for eligible tenants

Rent control in Newark

Who is covered
Most residential rental units in Newark. Exempt under the 2017 ordinance (Sec. 19:2-2): public housing; owner-occupied buildings of 1 to 4 units (the owner lives in one of the units); hotel/motel rooms rented day to day; commercial space; certain units rehabilitated under federal/state Rental Rehabilitation Programs while they receive Section 8 subsidies; newly constructed multiple dwellings whose owner obtained a 30-year exemption certificate from the Rent Control Board (state law); and certain substantially rehabilitated or vacant dwellings with a Board exemption certificate.
Allowed increase in 2026
Once in any 12-month period, and never more than 4%, even if the unit changes tenants or owners. The allowed percentage is the change in the CPI from 15 months before to 3 months before the month the increase takes effect; the city publishes a monthly percentage. No increase is allowed if the landlord has not registered with the Office of Rent Control or the building is not in substantial code compliance. Your landlord must give 30 days' written notice. Extra increases (hardship, major improvements, tax or utility surcharges) need Rent Control Board approval.
How to check if you are covered
Call or visit the Newark Office of Rent Control (973-733-3675, 920 Mayor Kenneth A. Gibson Blvd, Room 111). It keeps a file on every residential property that you can inspect, including registration and legal base rent. If your increase is too high, file a rent adjustment petition with the Rent Control Board; you do not need a lawyer.
Law
Revised General Ordinances of the City of Newark, Title 19, Chapter 2 (Rent Control), sec. 19:2-3.1 (Ord. 6PSF-A(S), Sept. 5, 2017)

Just cause for eviction in Newark

Newark has no just-cause eviction rule of its own; New Jersey law decides when a landlord can end a tenancy. Eviction rules in New Jersey

Relocation payments in Newark

Newark has no general relocation payment rule.

Security deposits in Newark

Newark adds no deposit rules of its own; New Jersey law applies: deposit limit 1.5 months' rent (with exceptions), returned within 30 days. Security deposit law in New Jersey

Repairs and complaints in Newark

Report housing code problems to Newark's Division of Enforcement and Inspections - Code Enforcement (973-733-3813; emergencies 973-733-6471). A landlord whose building is not in substantial code compliance cannot take the annual rent control increase.

Eviction protections in Newark

Office of Tenant Legal Services (created December 19, 2018): free lawyers for Newark tenant households facing eviction or the threat of eviction with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (exception for applicants 60 or older and infirm). Lawyers can also advise on repairs and check that your rent is calculated correctly. Call 973-877-9424 or complete the intake form. Under rent control your landlord cannot evict you for filing a rent control petition.

Other Newark rules

  • Landlords must register every rental property with the Office of Rent Control each year; an unregistered landlord cannot raise the rent.
  • Rent Control Board decisions can be appealed to the Superior Court, Law Division, within 45 days.

New Jersey law that also applies

City rules add to state law. Where they differ, the stronger protection usually applies; if you are unsure, ask the city agency below.

Deposit limit
1.5 months' rent (with exceptions)
Deposit back within
30 days
Notice for unpaid rent
No notice required
Notice before entry
No statute
Rent increase notice
The landlord cannot raise rent during a lease.

Where to get help in Newark

Free tools

These tools use New Jersey state law. Newark's rules above may give you more time or more money.

Deposit calculator

Check New Jersey's deadline to return your deposit.

Eviction notice timeline

See the dates under New Jersey law.

Repair request letter for New Jersey

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

New Jersey's rule on asking for repairs:Notify the landlord in writing by certified mail, return receipt requested, describing the problem, and give a reasonable time to repair. You can also report code violations to your municipal housing inspector or, for buildings of 3+ units, the state Bureau of Housing Inspection.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Questions about renting in Newark

Is there rent control in Newark?

Most residential rental units in Newark. Exempt under the 2017 ordinance (Sec. 19:2-2): public housing; owner-occupied buildings of 1 to 4 units (the owner lives in one of the units); hotel/motel rooms rented day to day; commercial space; certain units rehabilitated under federal/state Rental Rehabilitation Programs while they receive Section 8 subsidies; newly constructed multiple dwellings whose owner obtained a 30-year exemption certificate from the Rent Control Board (state law); and certain substantially rehabilitated or vacant dwellings with a Board exemption certificate.

How much can my rent go up in Newark in 2026?

Once in any 12-month period, and never more than 4%, even if the unit changes tenants or owners. The allowed percentage is the change in the CPI from 15 months before to 3 months before the month the increase takes effect; the city publishes a monthly percentage. No increase is allowed if the landlord has not registered with the Office of Rent Control or the building is not in substantial code compliance. Your landlord must give 30 days' written notice. Extra increases (hardship, major improvements, tax or utility surcharges) need Rent Control Board approval.

What eviction protections does Newark have?

Office of Tenant Legal Services (created December 19, 2018): free lawyers for Newark tenant households facing eviction or the threat of eviction with gross income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level (exception for applicants 60 or older and infirm). Lawyers can also advise on repairs and check that your rent is calculated correctly. Call 973-877-9424 or complete the intake form. Under rent control your landlord cannot evict you for filing a rent control petition.

How do I report repair problems in Newark?

Report housing code problems to Newark's Division of Enforcement and Inspections - Code Enforcement (973-733-3813; emergencies 973-733-6471). A landlord whose building is not in substantial code compliance cannot take the annual rent control increase.

Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.

Other cities with their own rules