Coverage rules, the current rent cap, and how to confirm your building's status in New Brunswick, Middlesex County, NJ.·Updated January 2026
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Key Takeaways
Coverage depends on the building's size, age, and the local ordinance. See eligibility details below.
Annual rent increases are capped by the local ordinance. Learn the current allowed increase below.
Just-cause eviction protections apply statewide under the NJ Anti-Eviction Act — learn the full requirements below.
Middlesex County, New Jersey
1. Overview of Rent Control in New Brunswick
New Brunswick, located in Middlesex County, New Jersey,
has a local rent control ordinance that provides rent stabilization and
tenant protection for many residential rental units.
The ordinance is administered by the
New Brunswick Rent Control Board.
This article is a high-level guide based on public resources and the municipality's rent
control ordinance. It is not legal advice. For specific questions about your situation,
consult with a qualified attorney or contact the local rent control office.
2. Who Is Covered by Rent Control in New Brunswick?
The rent control ordinance in New Brunswick applies to specific types of properties
based on the number of units and other criteria:
Minimum units requirement: The ordinance applies to buildings with 1 or more units.
3. Rent Increase Limits
The rent control ordinance in New Brunswick limits annual rent increases to
2.5%.
At the expiration of a lease, base rent shall not be increased greater than the annual base rent increase percentage adopted by the rent control board. The annual base rent percentage increase for the
4. Exemptions and Exceptions
The following properties or situations may be exempt from rent control in New Brunswick:
Motels, hotels, public housing, licensed rooming houses, fraternities/sororities registered by Rutgers University, and similar premises, buildings owner or operated for living purposes by higher educational institutions, units with income-based contracts with government-funded project-based assistance, units in any hospital, convent, monastery, extended stay medical care facility, asylum, licensed nursing home, or assisted living facility, owner-occupied 1-family houses where the owner-occupant has 50%+ interest in title, owner-occupied 2-family properties, and units kept for secondary occupancy. Owners of multiple dwellings may claim exemption for lesser of 30 years following completion of construction and period of amortization of any initial mortgage loan. Vacancy Decontrol allowed for unit every five years if minimum property improvement requirements are met (until re-rented). Maximum increase is standard allowable increase + 4%.
5. How to Check Your Building's Status
To determine if your building is covered by rent control in New Brunswick, you can:
Use RentCheckMe: Enter your address in the RentCheckMe address checker to see if your building is likely covered.
Note: This article provides general information about rent control in New Brunswick.
Rent control laws can be complex and may change over time. For specific questions about your situation,
consult with a qualified attorney or contact the local rent control office.
Check Your Address
Find out if your home is covered by rent control or tenant protections.
Yes, New Brunswick has a local rent control ordinance that limits how much landlords can raise rent annually. The current cap is 2.5% per year.
What buildings are covered by rent control in New Brunswick?
In New Brunswick, rent control typically applies to buildings with 1 or more units. Single-family homes and smaller properties may be exempt.
How can I check if my apartment is rent-controlled in New Brunswick?
You can use the RentCheckMe address checker to get an initial assessment. For official confirmation, contact the New Brunswick Rent Control Board or check their website.
Get notified when rent laws change in New Brunswick
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