Rental Property Rules in New Brunswick, NJ (2026)
4 verified rental property rules for New Brunswick, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
The City of New Brunswick, New Jersey, regulates rent under Chapter 5.80. Since January 1, 2024 a landlord cannot raise base rent by more than the annual percentage adopted by the rent control board, which cannot be less than one percent nor greater than four percent, and cannot raise it more than once in twelve months.
New Brunswick NJ Rent Control: Annual Base Rent Increase Cap
Significant RestrictionsNew Brunswick Municipal Code § 5.80.130
The base rent for any rental unit for a continuing tenant, including a revolving tenancy as defined in this chapter, shall not be increased more than once during any twelve (12) month period.B.Effective January 1, 2024: At the expiration of a lease, whether written or oral, the base rent shall not be increased by a greater amount than the annual base rent increase percentage adopted by the rent...
Rental Registration
In the City of New Brunswick, Middlesex County, New Jersey, every rental unit is registered annually with the rent leveling office on or before April 1, and no unit can be rented until it is registered and inspected. Public housing, Rutgers dorms, new construction for three years and owner-occupied two-family buildings are exempt.
New Brunswick NJ Annual Rental Unit Registration
Significant RestrictionsNew Brunswick Municipal Code § 15.40.030
A.All rental units are registered with the New Brunswick rent leveling office on forms which are provided for that purpose and which are obtained from the rent leveling office or other designee. Such registration occurs on an annual basis as provided herein.B.Each rental unit is registered annually on or before April 1 of each year.C.No lease which has been executed prior to the final adoption ...
Rent Increase Notice
In the City of New Brunswick, New Jersey, a landlord seeking a base rent increase must notify the continuing tenant in writing, with the calculations behind the increase, at least thirty days before the increase takes effect. The increase must also fit the limits of the city's rent control chapter.
New Brunswick NJ Rent Increase Notice Requirements
Some RestrictionsNew Brunswick Municipal Code § 5.80.150
Any landlord seeking an increase in base rent shall, at least thirty (30) days prior to the date on which the increase is to be effective, notify the continuing tenant in writing of the calculations involved in computing the increase.
Repairs & Habitability
In the City of New Brunswick, New Jersey, rental units are held to the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code as amended by the City Council. Owners must supply heat at 68 degrees F. by day from September 15 through May 31, keep habitable ceilings at seven feet six inches, and provide at least 175 square feet for the first occupant.
Rental Housing Habitability Standards in New Brunswick, NJ
Significant RestrictionsNew Brunswick Municipal Code § 15.08.020
Every dwelling unit shall contain a minimum gross floor area of not less than one hundred seventy-five (175) square feet for the first occupant, and one hundred twenty-five (125) square feet for each additional occupant. ... All habitable spaces shall have a clear ceiling height of seven feet six (7'6") inches. ... It shall be the responsibility of the owner o ... r operator to maintain heat in...