Passaic rent control got much stronger in 2025. It now limits yearly rent increases to 3% and closes the “vacancy decontrol” loophole. According to a September 3, 2025 report shared by Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, the City Council passed the new passaic rent control ordinance at a packed meeting the day before. That report says the change protects more than 4,000 families.
Is Your Unit Covered by Passaic Rent Control?
This is the first question to answer. Passaic rent control comes from the city’s rent control ordinance, found in Chapter 231 of the City Code. The advocates’ report says the 2025 update affects nearly half of the city’s renters. As a result, many Passaic tenants are covered. However, not every unit is.
The public report does not list the exemptions. For example, it does not say whether newer buildings, small owner-occupied houses, or subsidized units are left out. Do not assume your unit is exempt just because your landlord says so. Ask the City of Passaic to confirm coverage for your exact address under Chapter 231. Get the answer in writing if you can.
| Rule | What it says | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly increase cap | 3% per year on covered units | Passaic ordinance passed September 2, 2025 (Code Chapter 231) |
| Vacancy decontrol | Eliminated. Rent can no longer jump without limit when a unit becomes vacant. | Same 2025 ordinance |
| Earlier cap | 6%, adopted in early 2025, then replaced by the 3% ordinance | VLJ / Make the Road NJ report, September 3, 2025 |
| Which buildings are covered | Not stated in the public report. Confirm with the City of Passaic. | Code Chapter 231 |
| Free legal help | Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, (973) 645-1955, PO Box 32040, Newark, NJ 07102 | vljnj.org |
How Much Rent Can Go Up Under Passaic Rent Control
The main number is 3%. Under passaic rent control, a covered unit’s rent can typically rise by no more than 3% a year. This rule dates from the ordinance passed on September 2, 2025. For example, if your rent is $1,500, a 3% increase comes to $45. That puts the new rent at $1,545. If your landlord asks for more, check whether any exception really applies.
The bigger change is the end of vacancy decontrol. Before, a landlord could raise the rent without limit once a tenant moved out. Passaic is now just the fifth New Jersey city to close that loophole, according to the report. As a result, passaic rent control follows the apartment and not only the tenant. A new tenant should not face a huge jump just because the last renter left.
The public report does not cover a few details. It does not say whether landlords can add surcharges for improvements or hardship. It also does not give a notice period or the exact date each year’s increase starts. Ask the city to confirm these under Chapter 231. New Jersey has no statewide rent cap, so the local ordinance is what protects you here.
Eviction Protections in This City
Most New Jersey tenants are protected by the state’s Anti-Eviction Act. In most cases, a landlord needs a legal reason, called “good cause,” to evict. Not paying rent and seriously breaking the lease are common reasons. However, a landlord cannot simply refuse to renew your lease because you asked about passaic rent control or complained about an illegal increase.
Only a court can order an eviction in New Jersey. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your things, or shut off your utilities to force you out. The public report on passaic rent control does not mention relocation payments or extra local rules for no-fault evictions. If you receive a notice about a building conversion or an owner move-in, get legal advice before you move.
What to Do If Your Landlord Breaks Passaic Rent Control
First, gather your proof. Keep your lease, rent receipts, bank records, and every rent increase notice. Write down the dates you paid and the amounts. For example, a notice raising $1,500 to $1,600 is a 6.7% increase. That is well above the 3% passaic rent control cap. Keep copies of everything in a safe place.
Next, file a complaint with the city. The public report does not name the local rent board or give its address, so call Passaic City Hall. Ask which office enforces passaic rent control under Chapter 231, and ask how to file. Bring your lease, your receipts, and the increase notice. Keep paying your lawful rent while the complaint is pending, unless a lawyer tells you otherwise.
Then get free legal help, especially if an eviction case has started. Volunteer Lawyers for Justice can be reached at (973) 645-1955. Help in Spanish is available at the same number. Tenant groups such as Make the Road New Jersey helped pass the ordinance and may also be able to guide you. A local legal-aid office or tenant attorney can review your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current cap under passaic rent control?
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The ordinance passed on September 2, 2025 caps yearly increases at 3% on covered units. It replaced a 6% cap that the city adopted in early 2025. Confirm the exact date your yearly increase can start with the city.
Can my landlord raise the rent a lot after the last tenant moves out?
The 2025 ordinance ended vacancy decontrol. That means passaic rent control is meant to stay in place between tenants. If your new rent seems much higher than the old tenant’s rent, ask the city to check the unit’s rent history.
What if my landlord threatens to evict me for complaining?
New Jersey law generally protects tenants who complain about their housing rights. Only a court can evict you. Save the threat in writing and call Volunteer Lawyers for Justice or a local legal-aid office right away.
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Sources & How to Verify
The rules on this page are drawn from official government and legal-aid sources. Tenant law changes, so always confirm the exact rule with your state’s statute or a local legal-aid office.
- HUD: hud.gov — federal renter protections and fair housing
- Legal Services Corporation: lsc.gov — find free legal aid in your state
- Cornell Legal Information Institute: law.cornell.edu/wex — plain-English legal definitions
- Your state statute & court self-help portal: search “[your state] landlord tenant act” and “[your state] court self-help eviction” for the exact law and forms
Content last reviewed September 2026. If you notice outdated information, please contact us.
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- Breaking a Lease in New Jersey
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Informational only — not legal advice. Tenant Rights Info is an independent educational resource, not a law firm, and this page does not provide legal advice. Landlord-tenant law varies by state and city and changes over time, so always verify the exact rule with your state’s statute, your local court’s self-help portal, or a legal-aid office. For urgent situations like an active eviction, contact a local legal-aid office or a licensed tenant attorney in your state right away.