Rent control rules in Ocean County, NJ — also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances — limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Ocean County has no county rent control, but several municipalities cap annual increases. Lakewood (Ch. 14) caps increases at 5% if tenant pays heat, 6.5% if landlord pays. Seaside Heights, Point Pleasant Beach, Lakehurst also regulate.
New Jersey authorizes municipal rent control under home rule — there is no state cap. In Ocean County, Lakewood's Rent Control Code (Ch. 14) is the most significant, limiting annual rent increases to 5% where the tenant pays for heat and 6.5% where the landlord supplies heat, on covered dwellings. Seaside Heights, Lakehurst, and a handful of other municipalities also operate local rent-leveling boards. Most Ocean County shore towns (Toms River, Brick, Berkeley, Lacey, Stafford) do NOT have rent control — market-rate increases apply with only the state 'unconscionable' standard (Orange Taxpayers v. Orange) as a check. Newly constructed units, owner-occupied 1-2 family homes, and motel/hotel guest stays are exempt from rent control under N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.1. Seasonal summer rentals on the barrier islands are not subject to rent control but are covered by Truth-in-Renting (N.J.S.A. 46:8-43).
Overcharges in Lakewood: tenant complaint to Rent Leveling Board; refund plus interest ordered. Willful violations: fines up to $500 per occurrence under Ch. 14, or damages in Superior Court.
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See how Ocean County's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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