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Jersey City, New Jersey

Jersey City Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notices, rent control, and more for Jersey City, New Jersey.

How we research these summaries

Every rule on this page is drawn from state statutes and municipal codes and summarized with AI assistance. Each one cites the statute it's based on and links to a published text of that law so you can read it firsthand. Where a page says a city or county has no local rule on a topic, that means none was found for the topics covered here — not that none exists. Local governments also regulate rental housing in ways these pages don't track, including registration, licensing, inspections and habitability standards. These summaries may be incomplete or out of date, laws change often, and every property and tenancy has specifics a summary can't capture — so treat this as a starting point for your own research, not as legal advice, and check with the local jurisdiction and a qualified attorney before acting on your particular situation.

What to Know in Jersey City

Sources last checked July 2026

Jersey City, New Jersey caps annual rent increases at the lower of the Consumer Price Index or 4% under its own rent control ordinance, Jersey City Municipal Code § 260-3(A). That cap applies only to buildings with five or more units — one-to-four-unit properties are exempt entirely — and construction built after June 1987 is exempt for up to 30 years or its mortgage term. The controlled rent carries over between tenants rather than resetting to market at turnover, while security deposits (1.5x monthly rent) and just-cause eviction protections still follow statewide New Jersey law.

  • Jersey City limits annual rent increases to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index or four percent, whichever is less (§ 260-3(A)).
  • Security deposits capped at 1.5× monthly rent
  • New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act prohibits landlords from evicting residential tenants without just cause.
  • 30-day advance written notice required for rent increases
  • 30-day move-out notice required for month-to-month tenancies
5 rules summarized · Each linked to the law it cites

Jersey City Local Rules

Rent Control / Rent Increase Caps

Is there rent control in Jersey City?

Jersey City limits annual rent increases to the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index or four percent, whichever is less (§ 260-3(A)). Because the CPI component is often below the ceiling, the permitted increase in a given year is frequently under 4%. The ordinance covers buildings with five or more units — buildings of one to four units are exempt, which leaves most small landlords outside it entirely. Newer construction is exempt for a period after completion, up to 30 years or the mortgage amortization period if shorter, for buildings put up after June 1987. Jersey City does not permit a landlord to reset rent to market between tenancies; the controlled rent carries over to the next tenant.

Jersey City Municipal Code § 260-3(A)

Applicable New Jersey State Rules

These state-level rules apply in Jersey City where no local override exists.

Security Deposit Limits State Law

What is the security deposit limit in Jersey City?

A landlord may not demand or receive a security deposit exceeding one and one-half times the monthly rental payment. Any annual increase to the security deposit is limited to 10% of the current deposit amount. The landlord must return the deposit plus accrued interest within 30 days of tenancy termination.

N.J.S.A. § 46:8-19 through 46:8-26
Eviction Notice Requirements State Law

What are the eviction notice requirements in Jersey City?

New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act prohibits landlords from evicting residential tenants without just cause. Grounds include nonpayment of rent (no prior notice required before filing), disorderly conduct (3-day notice), or substantial lease violations (1-month notice). Landlords cannot evict merely by refusing to renew a lease. Tenants in buildings with three or more units are fully protected.

N.J.S.A. § 2A:18-61.1 through 2A:18-61.12
Rent Increase Notice Periods State Law

How much notice is required for rent increases in Jersey City?

New Jersey landlords must provide tenants with at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. For fixed-term leases, the landlord must notify the tenant of the new rental amount before offering a renewal. Local ordinances in municipalities with rent control may require 60 to 90 days' notice.

N.J.S.A. § 2A:18-61.1; DCA Rent Increase Guidance
Move-Out & Lease Termination Notice State Law

What is the move-out notice requirement in Jersey City?

In New Jersey, a tenant on a month-to-month tenancy must give the landlord one month's (30 days') written notice before vacating. Week-to-week tenants must give 7 days' notice, and year-to-year tenants must give 3 months' notice. Landlords cannot terminate a residential tenancy without just cause under the Anti-Eviction Act.

N.J.S.A. § 2A:18-56

Other New Jersey Cities & Counties

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