Fort Lee vs Garfield
How do rent control rules compare between Fort Lee, NJ and Garfield, NJ?
Garfield has fewer restrictions than Fort Lee.
Fort Lee, NJ
Bergen County
Fort Lee enforces rent control under Borough Code Chapter 215 limiting annual rent increases for covered units based on a CPI-indexed formula with administrative oversight.
View full Fort Lee rules →Garfield, NJ
Bergen County
Bergen County does not impose countywide rent control. Several individual municipalities, including Fort Lee, Hackensack, Edgewater, and Cliffside Park, enforce local rent stabilization ordinances limiting annual increases on covered rental units.
View full Garfield rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fort Lee | Garfield |
|---|---|---|
| Code Chapter | Chapter 215 | - |
| Increase Cap | CPI-based, ~4-5% | - |
| Exempt | Owner-occupied 1-3 units | - |
| Oversight | Rent Leveling Board | - |
| Countywide rent control | - | Not enacted |
| Towns with rent control | - | Fort Lee, Hackensack, Edgewater |
| State authority | - | N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84 |
| Common exemption | - | Owner-occupied 2-4 units |
| Increase basis | - | Often CPI-linked |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fort Lee FAQ
How much can my Fort Lee landlord raise rent each year?
Annual increases are capped by a CPI-based formula under Chapter 215, typically allowing 4-5% per year for covered units. Hardship petitions can adjust this in some cases.
Are all Fort Lee rentals rent controlled?
No. Owner-occupied buildings of three units or fewer, hotels, motels, and certain newer construction may be exempt. Contact the Rent Leveling Board to verify coverage.
Garfield FAQ
Is there rent control in Bergen County?
Not at the county level. Rent control exists in specific municipalities such as Fort Lee, Hackensack, Edgewater, and Cliffside Park. Most Bergen County towns have no rent cap.
How much can my landlord raise rent in Bergen County?
If your unit is in an uncontrolled town, there is no statutory cap, but increases must be reasonable and properly noticed. In rent-controlled towns, annual caps typically follow CPI.
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