Bergenfield, NJ Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Bergenfield, NJ, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Governing chapter
- Borough Code Ch. 240, Rent Control
- Adopted
- 1975, Ord. No. 1045; amended 2024
- Annual increase cap
- 4% of base rent (§ 240-5A)
- Board composition
- 2 landlords, 2 tenants, 3 homeowners
- Surcharge cap
- 15% cumulative (§ 240-6D)
- Exempt dwellings
- Government-owned, subsidized, newly constructed multiples
Summary
Bergenfield has operated rent control since 1975 through a Rent Leveling Board that adjudicates landlord and tenant applications under Chapter 240. Base rent may rise only 4% at lease renewal or on the tenancy's anniversary; larger increases are void unless justified through the Board's hardship, capital-improvement or tax-surcharge process.
§ 240-2. Rent Leveling Board and office. ... There is hereby created a Rent Leveling Board within the Borough. ... § 240-5. Cost of living increase. ... At the expiration of a lease, a landlord may be allowed a 4% increase in base rent. For tenancies without a lease, a landlord may be allowed a 4% increase in base rent, every year, on the anniversary of when the tenancy began.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 240, Rent Control, dates to Ord. No. 1045 (1975) and was substantially amended 10-15-2024 by Ord. No. 24-2633. Section 240-2 creates a Rent Leveling Board of two landlords, two tenants and three homeowners owning or residing in the Borough, appointed by the Mayor with Council confirmation, plus three alternates. The Board's Rent Leveling Secretary doubles as enforcement officer and can file complaints in Municipal Court. A. 6; an owner claiming an exemption must notify the Rent Leveling Secretary in writing and, if requested, apply and pay a filing fee for the Board to adjudicate at a hearing.
Section 240-5A caps the ordinary cost-of-living increase at 4% of base rent, available once a year, either at lease expiration or on the tenancy's anniversary for month-to-month tenants. Beyond that base increase, landlords may seek hardship, major-capital-improvement, or tax surcharges under § 240-6, each individually capped at 5% of base rent and all surcharges together capped at 15% cumulatively. Any increase above what the chapter authorizes is voidable on a tenant's application under § 240-4C.
Violations & Fines
A rent increase taken outside the 4% cost-of-living allowance, or without the certified-mail notice the chapter requires, is void upon a tenant's successful complaint to the Rent Leveling Board under § 240-9, and any excess increase in dispute is frozen pending a Board hearing. The Rent Leveling Secretary, acting as enforcement officer, may also file a complaint directly in Municipal Court for a chapter violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bergenfield have rent control?
How much can a Bergenfield landlord raise rent each year?
Which Bergenfield rentals are exempt from rent control?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Bergenfield
Compare Bergenfield to another location·View the New Jersey rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.