Newark Landlord-Tenant Rules

Rent stabilization: Newark's Rent Control Ordinance (first passed November 20, 1973, last amended September 5, 2017 per the Division of Rent Control page; the FAQ cites amendments effective September 11, 2019) limits rent increases on covered residential units to an annual percentage tied to the monthly CPI-U figure for the month the increase takes effect. The increase can never exceed 4%. The limit applies to any consecutive 12 months, regardless of tenant turnover, a change of owner, or vacancy. No increase is allowed if the unit is not in substantial compliance with codes or the landlord has not registered with the Division of Rent Control. Exempt: public housing, day-to-day hotel/motel rooms, commercial space, and new construction (up to 30 years under state law, with a certificate of exemption obtained before occupancy). Substantially rehabilitated units may receive time-limited exemptions. Landlords may petition the Rent Control Board for hardship increases or surcharges for major improvements, taxes or utilities. Rent increases were frozen at 0% from April 1, 2020 until the moratorium was lifted on September 18, 2023, and the moratorium period cannot be counted retroactively.; Required notices/registration: All landlords must register their properties with the Office of Rent Control, separately from any City Clerk registration, using the Rent and Landlord Registration Statement. A landlord who is not registered cannot raise rents. The Rent Control FAQ says tenants must get 30 days' written notice of a rent increase. Landlords may not seek possession in reprisal for a tenant's efforts to enforce rent control rights.; Tenant right to counsel: On December 19, 2018 the City established the Office of Tenant Legal Services (OTLS) by ordinance. OTLS provides free legal advice and court representation to low-income Newark tenants facing eviction or the threat of eviction, and helps with repair disputes and rent calculations. Eligibility: gross household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, with an exception for applicants aged 60 or older and infirm. Intake is every weekday through an intake form.