Trenton rent control is run by the City of Trenton Rent Stabilization Board, and it caps yearly rent increases. Under Trenton rent control, the cap for January through December 2026 is 4.0%, or 2.0% for seniors and disabled tenants.
Is Your Unit Covered by Trenton Rent Control?
More than half of Trenton residents rent their homes. The city says both landlords and tenants should know its rent control ordinance. That ordinance is Chapter 222 of the Trenton City Code. It is the main source for trenton rent control rules.
However, the city’s public pages do not spell out which units are covered. They do not list exemptions by year built, building size, or owner-occupancy. As a result, you should not guess. Call the Rent Stabilization Board and give your exact address. Ask: “Is my unit under trenton rent control?” Also ask if any exemption is on file.
| Rule | What it says | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Standard increase cap | 4.0% maximum (January to December 2026) | Ordinance 024-028, effective June 2024 |
| Senior and disabled cap | 2.0% maximum, with proof of age or disability (January to December 2026) | Ordinance 024-028, effective June 2024 |
| Who counts as a senior | Age 62 or older, or that person’s spouse, or a surviving spouse age 55 or older | N.J.S.A. 40:55D-68.5 |
| How long the caps last | Until the City Council rescinds them | City of Trenton Rent Stabilization Board |
| Which units are covered | Not listed on the city’s summary pages; confirm with the board | Chapter 222 of the City Code |
How Much Rent Can Go Up Under Trenton Rent Control
Under trenton rent control, the cap is 4.0% for standard tenants. For senior citizens and disabled tenants, the cap is 2.0%. These limits come from Ordinance 024-028, which took effect in June 2024. The city’s increase history lists the same 4% and 2% limits for January through December 2026.
For example, if your rent is $1,000, a 4.0% raise is at most $40 a month. If you qualify for the 2.0% cap, the most is $20. However, the lower cap is not automatic. The city says you must submit proof of age or disability. In most cases, it is smart to hand in that proof in writing and keep a copy.
These caps stay in place unless the City Council rescinds them. The city’s pages do not list rules for banked increases, pass-throughs, or required notice periods. As a result, ask the board how these rules affect any trenton rent control increase you receive. New Jersey state law is only background here. The local ordinance sets the number.
Eviction Protections in This City
Trenton rent control limits rent increases. However, the city’s rent board pages do not describe separate local eviction rules. They also do not list any relocation payment amounts. If you face a no-fault eviction, ask the board or legal aid what applies to your unit. Do not assume a city payment exists until someone confirms it.
In most cases, New Jersey state law requires a legal reason, called “good cause,” before a landlord can evict. Typically, a landlord cannot just lock you out or remove your things. An eviction has to go through the court. A rent increase above the trenton rent control cap may also be something to raise in court.
What to Do If Your Landlord Breaks the Rule
The Rent Stabilization Board handles trenton rent control disputes. The board mediates conflicts between landlords and tenants. It holds hearings on rent complaints and rules on disputes about rent increases. It can also refer violations when a landlord does not comply. The city’s page offers a Petition Application to start the process.
To reach the board, call (609) 815-2193. You can also reach Stephani Register, Principal Planner, at 609-989-3507. Trenton City Hall is at 319 E State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608. Bring your lease, old and new rent notices, and rent receipts. If you are a senior or disabled, bring proof. For more, visit the City of Trenton Rent Stabilization Board page.
Other problems have other offices. Landlords who do not live on site must register under the Absentee Owner Program. Call 609-989-3563 to learn more. If you have no heat in winter, call the 24-hour Heat hotline at 609-989-3560. The Division of Housing Inspection enforces safe, clean housing. See the city’s Landlords and Tenants page for details. If a trenton rent control fight turns into an eviction case, call legal aid right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current trenton rent control increase limit?
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The city lists a maximum of 4.0% for most tenants for January through December 2026. Senior citizens and disabled tenants have a 2.0% cap. These limits come from Ordinance 024-028, effective June 2024.
Do I automatically get the 2% senior or disabled cap?
No. The city says you must submit proof of age or disability. A senior citizen is someone age 62 or older, their spouse, or a surviving spouse age 55 or older.
Who do I call about a trenton rent control problem?
Call the Rent Stabilization Board at (609) 815-2193. The board can mediate, hold hearings, and rule on rent increase disputes. For an active eviction, also contact a local legal-aid office.
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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.
New Jersey Renter Guides
- New Jersey Eviction Process
- New Jersey Tenant Rights
- New Jersey Security Deposit Law
- New Jersey Rent Increase Laws
- New Jersey Repairs and Habitability
- 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.