Clifton is a densely populated city of approximately 90,000 residents in Passaic County, northern New Jersey, where a significant share of households rent their homes. The city's proximity to New York City and its diverse housing stock make tenant protections especially important for residents navigating an active rental market with rising rents.
Clifton has adopted a local rent control ordinance that caps annual rent increases under a CPI-based or percentage formula set by the municipality; confirm the current allowable increase with the local rent control board. However, Clifton renters benefit fully from New Jersey's strong statewide landlord-tenant framework — including mandatory just cause for eviction, strict security deposit rules, implied warranty of habitability, and robust anti-retaliation protections. Understanding these state-level rights is essential for every Clifton renter.
This page summarizes the laws that apply to Clifton tenants based on New Jersey statutes as of April 2026. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters facing disputes should consult a qualified attorney or contact a local legal aid organization.
Yes — Clifton has rent control. Clifton is one of roughly 100 New Jersey municipalities that has adopted a local rent control (rent leveling) ordinance. The ordinance limits annual rent increases to a CPI-based or percentage cap set by the local ordinance. It is administered by the municipality's rent control / rent leveling board, where tenants can file complaints and landlords can apply for hardship or capital-improvement increases.
New Jersey has no statewide rent cap, but state law lets municipalities adopt local rent control under their home-rule and police power (N.J.S.A. 40:48-2; Inganamort v. Fort Lee, 62 N.J. 521). Coverage, exemptions (such as owner-occupied small buildings or newer construction), and the exact current cap vary by ordinance — confirm yours with the Clifton rent control board.
New Jersey's landlord-tenant statutes provide some of the strongest tenant protections in the United States. The following state-level protections apply to all residential tenants in Clifton:
Implied Warranty of Habitability (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-85 et seq.; Marini v. Ireland, 56 N.J. 130 (1970)): Every residential landlord in New Jersey must maintain rental units in a safe, decent, and habitable condition. This includes working heat, plumbing, electrical systems, structural soundness, and freedom from rodent or insect infestation. If a landlord fails to make necessary repairs, tenants may withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or seek a rent reduction through court — subject to proper procedures.
Anti-Retaliation Protection (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-10.10 – 10.14): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations, complaining to a government agency, organizing a tenants' union, or exercising any legal right. Prohibited retaliatory acts include rent increases, eviction proceedings, and reduction of services. Retaliation is presumed if adverse action occurs within 90 days of a protected act, and the tenant may recover damages, attorney fees, and costs.
Notice Requirements (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-56): For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must provide at least one full rental period's written notice (typically 30 days) before terminating the tenancy. Fixed-term leases generally expire at the end of the lease term, but a tenant cannot be removed without good cause even after the term ends.
Lockout and Utility Shutoff Prohibition (N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1 et seq.; N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.6): Self-help eviction is illegal in New Jersey. Landlords may not remove a tenant by changing locks, removing doors or windows, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant's belongings outside of a court-ordered eviction (warrant for removal). Violations may result in criminal charges and civil liability.
Truth in Renting Act (N.J.S.A. 46:8-43 et seq.): Landlords of buildings with two or more units must provide each tenant with a copy of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs' Truth in Renting statement at lease signing. Failure to do so is a violation subject to penalties.
Security Deposit Rules (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 et seq.): Covered in detail in the Security Deposit section below.
New Jersey's Security Deposit Law (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 through 46:8-26) governs all aspects of security deposits for Clifton rental units.
Maximum Amount: A landlord may collect an initial security deposit of no more than one and one-half months' rent (1.5x monthly rent). After the first year of tenancy, the landlord may request an additional deposit, but the total security deposit held may never exceed one and one-half months' rent.
Interest and Investment Requirement (N.J.S.A. 46:8-19): Landlords who own buildings with ten or more units must invest the deposit in an insured interest-bearing account or money market fund and pay interest or earnings to the tenant annually (or credit it against rent). Landlords of smaller buildings must still hold the deposit in a separate federally insured account and provide the tenant with written notice of the bank name, address, and account number within 30 days of receipt.
Return Deadline (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1): After the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the security deposit — along with any accrued interest — within 30 days after the tenant vacates. If the tenant provides a forwarding address after vacating, the landlord has 15 days from receipt of that address to return the deposit (whichever deadline is later). The landlord must also provide an itemized written statement of any deductions.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding (N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1): If a landlord fails to return the deposit within the required time without a valid reason, the tenant is entitled to double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees if the tenant prevails in court. This penalty is a strong incentive for landlords to comply promptly.
Permissible Deductions: Landlords may only deduct for unpaid rent, damage to the unit beyond normal wear and tear, and other charges permitted by the lease. Routine cleaning and ordinary wear are not deductible.
New Jersey's Anti-Eviction Act (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1 et seq.) requires landlords in Clifton to have a legally recognized 'good cause' reason before they may evict any residential tenant. This is a critical protection that goes beyond what most states require.
Just Cause Grounds (N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.1): Permissible grounds for eviction include: failure to pay rent; disorderly conduct; willful destruction of property; violation of a lease term (after written notice and reasonable opportunity to cure); owner or immediate family member occupancy of a building with three or fewer units; conversion to condominium (with specific notice requirements); and certain other enumerated causes. A landlord cannot evict a tenant simply because the lease has expired.
Notice Requirements:
Court Filing: If the tenant does not vacate after proper notice, the landlord must file a Complaint for Summary Dispossess in the Special Civil Part of Superior Court in Passaic County. The tenant will receive a court date and has the right to appear and contest the eviction. Filing fee and service of process are required steps under the New Jersey Court Rules.
Hearing and Judgment: At the hearing, both parties may present evidence. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, a judgment for possession is entered. The tenant typically has the right to 'cure' a nonpayment eviction by paying all rent owed plus court costs before or at the hearing — N.J.S.A. 2A:18-55.
Warrant for Removal: If judgment is entered for the landlord and the tenant does not vacate, the landlord must obtain a Warrant for Removal from the court. Only a court-authorized Special Civil Part Officer (not the landlord) may physically remove the tenant, with at least three business days' notice of the lockout date — N.J. Court Rule 6:7-1.
Self-Help Eviction is Illegal (N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1): A landlord who locks out a tenant, removes their belongings, shuts off utilities, or otherwise forcibly removes a tenant without a court order commits an unlawful act and may face criminal charges as well as civil liability for damages, attorney fees, and double damages.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws — including statutes, local ordinances, and court interpretations — can change, and individual circumstances vary. Clifton renters facing eviction, disputes with landlords, or other legal issues should consult a licensed New Jersey attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization. RentCheckMe makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information presented here, and we encourage all readers to verify current laws independently.
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