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Rental Property Rules in Paterson, NJ (2026)

4 verified rental property rules for Paterson, New Jersey, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Rent Control

Paterson runs a real rent control program: rents on covered multi-family buildings are frozen at their December 23, 1999 base level, with landlord increases capped at 5% a year absent Board approval.

Paterson Rent Leveling Law

Significant Restrictions

Paterson City Code §§ 381-1, 381-3

An emergency exists within the City of Paterson with respect to the rental of housing space in dwellings... All rents for rental of housing space and services in dwellings to which this chapter is applicable are hereby controlled at the base rent level received by the landlord as of December 23, 1999, and no rental increases shall be hereinafter demanded or paid except as provided in this chapter.

Rental Registration

Landlords of Paterson's rent-leveled buildings (2+ units if not owner-occupied, 3+ if owner-occupied) must register every dwelling unit's address, rent, and manager with the Rent Leveling Board and update it annually.

Paterson Rental Unit Registration

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 381-4K

The Board shall require registration of all dwelling units to be provided upon enactment of this chapter. An annual update is required if there is any change in status. In lieu of an annual update, the landlord is required to submit a registration with all applications to the Rent Leveling Office. This registration shall include the following: (a) The address of each dwelling unit. (b) Th...

Rent Increase Notice

Paterson landlords raising rent under the rent leveling ordinance must give tenants and the Rent Leveling Administrator written notice at least 30 days before the increase takes effect.

Paterson Rent Increase Notice Rule

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 381-15

Any landlord seeking a rental increase pursuant to § 381-14 shall give the Rent Leveling Administrator and the affected tenant written notice of the proposed increase at least 30 days in advance. B. The written notice shall provide the following information: (1) The name and address of the tenant and the apartment number. (2) The date the tenant's existing lease began. (3) The prese...

Repairs & Habitability

Paterson's Housing-Property Maintenance Code sets minimum standards for light, ventilation, heat, sanitation and fire safety in every dwelling, enforced by the Community Improvements Department through inspections and court penalties.

Paterson Rental Habitability Standards

Some Restrictions

Paterson City Code § 271-2

The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety and welfare in buildings and on the premises as hereinafter provided by: A. Establishing minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space heating and sanitation; for safety from fire; for space, use and location; for safe and sanitary maintenance; and for cooking equipment in all structures ...

Looking for Passaic County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Paterson city rules.

Rental Property Rules in Passaic County