New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Division of Codes and Standards
Landlord-Tenant Information Service
RENT INCREASE BULLETIN
February 2008
This bulletin explains the process that a landlord must follow in order to increase a tenant’s rent.
This process may be based on rent control ordinances in specific municipalities; for rental units
that are not governed by rent control ordinances the process is based on common law, which is
set by common practice and case law. This bulletin is for informational purposes only and
should not be used for legal interpretations or legal advice. Please consult an attorney for legal
services and advice when necessary.
Applicability
The information in this bulletin applies to all residential rental properties including mobile
homes, and land in a mobile home park. However, it does not apply to hotels and motels, and
other guesthouses rented to transient or seasonal tenants.
Notice Required
Before the landlord can increase the rent he must provide the tenant with a written Notice to Quit
and notice of the rent increase. (See Attachment A, Sample notice.) The Notice to Quit ends the
existing tenancy. However, being served with a Notice to Quit does not require the tenant to
vacate the rental premises.
The landlord must give notice within the timeframe stipulated within the lease (at least 30 days)
or as stipulated within the local rent control ordinance, if any. If the tenancy is month-to-month
the landlord must give a 30-day notice to Quit (given on the first day the rent is due).
Note: The Security deposit can be increased when the rent is increased but cannot exceed 1 ½
times the monthly rent.