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Trenton Landlord-Tenant Rules

Trenton adds local rules on top of New Jersey landlord-tenant law. Here is what is different, with the city code or agency page behind each rule.

Rent controlTrenton has a rent stabilization (rent control) ordinance. Under Ordinance 024-028 (effective June 2024), the maximum allowable rent increase is 4.0% for standard tenants and 2.0% for senior citizens and disabled tenants, who must submit proof of age or disability. The City lists the same limits for 2025 and 2026. The Rent Stabilization Board mediates landlord-tenant disputes, holds hearings on rent complaints and rules on disputes over increases. Contact (609) 815-2193.
Yearly history of allowed increases: https://www.trentonnj.org/297/Allowable-Rent-Increase-History. The limits stay in place unless City Council rescinds them.
Source: Trenton City Code Ch. 222; Ord. No. 024-028
Landlord license & rental inspectionsUnder Trenton's Absentee Owner Program, owners of rental property who do not live there must get a license and renew it each January, and periodic inspections check for housing code violations. The residential fee is $90 per structure plus $25 per unit (minimum $115 for a single-family home); a second or later rental re-inspection costs $50. Tenants can call 609-989-3563 to find out whether their building is properly licensed.
Source: Official source
Heat & housing code complaintsTrenton's Division of Housing Inspections enforces the City's housing codes. Report violations at 609-989-3563 or through GovAlert. Tenants without heat can call the City's 24-hour Heat hotline at 609-989-3560.
Source: Official source
Local rental assistanceThe City's rental assistance page lists Trenton Adult and Family Services (609-989-3303), which provides mortgage, rent and utility relief to Trenton residents on a first-come, first-served basis, and the Mercer County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (609-389-3575).
The City's page describes these as COVID-19 related programs; whether funds are still available was not confirmed.
Source: Official source

Eviction cases in Trenton are heard in: Superior Court of New Jersey, Special Civil Part (Landlord/Tenant), Mercer County Civil Courthouse, Trenton (mail: PO Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650-0068; 609-571-4200 ext. 76019)

Right to a lawyer in eviction cases

No guaranteed right. Official source

Local agencies

Frequently asked questions

What landlord-tenant rules does Trenton add on top of New Jersey law?
Rent control: Trenton has a rent stabilization (rent control) ordinance. Under Ordinance 024-028 (effective June 2024), the maximum allowable rent increase is 4.0% for standard tenants and 2.0% for senior citizens and disabled tenants, who must submit proof of age or disability. The City lists the same limits for 2025 and 2026. The Rent Stabilization Board mediates landlord-tenant disputes, holds hearings on rent complaints and rules on disputes over increases. Contact (609) 815-2193.; Landlord license & rental inspections: Under Trenton's Absentee Owner Program, owners of rental property who do not live there must get a license and renew it each January, and periodic inspections check for housing code violations. The residential fee is $90 per structure plus $25 per unit (minimum $115 for a single-family home); a second or later rental re-inspection costs $50. Tenants can call 609-989-3563 to find out whether their building is properly licensed.; Heat & housing code complaints: Trenton's Division of Housing Inspections enforces the City's housing codes. Report violations at 609-989-3563 or through GovAlert. Tenants without heat can call the City's 24-hour Heat hotline at 609-989-3560.; Local rental assistance: The City's rental assistance page lists Trenton Adult and Family Services (609-989-3303), which provides mortgage, rent and utility relief to Trenton residents on a first-come, first-served basis, and the Mercer County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (609-389-3575).

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Last verified against official sources: October 28, 2026.

How we source this page: each state-specific rule links to the statute, court rule or official government page it comes from. A rule taken from a public copy of a state code (used only where the official code is not freely readable online) is marked as a secondary source. Spot an error? Use the contact page to report it. About our sources

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.