Howell, NJ Rental Property Rules: Rent Control (2026)
Rent control rules in Howell, NJ, also known as rent stabilization or rent cap ordinances, limit annual rent increases and protect tenants from displacement.
Key Facts
- Scope
- Mobile home parks and spaces (Chapter 204, Article I)
- Increase cap
- Not to exceed 5% of previous twelve-month base rent
- Approval
- Written Rent Control Board approval before any increase
- Notice
- Written notice to the Board at least 60 days ahead
- Frequency
- One increase per park per calendar year
- Penalty
- Up to $500 or 90 days, for each day
Summary
In Howell Township, rent stabilization under Chapter 204, Article I applies to mobile home parks. At the expiration of a tenancy a landlord cannot raise rent by more than increased utility costs, increased Township space or license fees, and an amount not to exceed 5% of the previous twelve-month base rent, and needs written Rent Control Board approval first.
This article shall be known and cited as the "Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance of the Township of Howell." ... A. Establishment of rents between a landlord and a tenant to whom this article is applicable shall hereafter be determined by the following provisions: (1) At the expiration of the tenancy for a mobile home or mobile home space, no landlord may request or receive any increase in the rental income and additional space from any tenant, new or continuing, which is greater than a combination of the following: (a) Any increased cost to the landlord for supplied utilities. ... (c) An amount not to exceed 5% of the previous twelve-month base rent for the mobile home space. ... B. No landlord may request or receive of the tenants any increase in rental income or additional charges except as provided by this section until such time as the landlord shall have obtained approval in writing from the Rent Control Board, as hereinafter established, for said increase.
Full Breakdown
Article I of Chapter 204 was adopted by Ord. No. O-84-55, as amended through Ord. No. O-93-23. Section 204-2 titles it the Mobile Home Park Rent Stabilization Ordinance of the Township of Howell. The Township Council's findings in § 204-1 cite complaints about unusually large rent increases, 504 existing mobile home spaces with none vacant (a vacancy rate of 0%), and an unintended monopoly created by park licensing. The article defines landlord as the mobile home park operator, owner or other person leasing a mobile home or space, and base rent as the lawful rent in effect on October 1, 1984, plus later increases granted by the Rent Control Board.
Section 204-4A caps what a landlord can request or receive at the expiration of a tenancy: increased utility costs, increased Township space or license fees prorated among occupied spaces, and an amount not to exceed 5% of the previous twelve-month base rent. Under 204-4B the landlord needs written Board approval, gets only one increase per park per calendar year, and has to notify the Board in writing at least 60 days before the effective date and serve a copy on affected tenants. Hearing notice is posted in the park at least five days before the hearing date.
Section 204-5 sets vacancy rules: a new tenant's initial rent cannot exceed the prior tenant's rent plus 5% of that tenant's base rent, with notice to the Board within 10 days of occupancy. Rent increases require that the park substantially complies with state, county and local codes (§ 204-6). Tenants can seek reductions for habitability violations (§ 204-7), and any increase beyond what the article authorizes is void (§ 204-8). Section 204-12A lets a landlord apply for additional increases on a just and reasonable rate of return, and § 204-19 directs the Board to weigh tenant hardship.
The Board has five regular members, one a park owner and one a mobile home park tenant, all Howell residents appointed by the Township Council (§ 204-14). It decides within 30 days after hearings close (§ 204-15B), and either side can appeal to a court (§ 204-16).
Violations & Fines
Under § 204-21, a willful violation of Article I or of a final Board decision, including willfully filing a material misstatement of fact with the Board, is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both, for each day the violation continues. A violation affecting more than one mobile home space is a separate violation as to each space. Increases beyond the article's limits are void under § 204-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Howell Township have rent control?
How much can a mobile home park raise rent in Howell Township?
What notice must a Howell mobile home park landlord give before a rent increase?
Can a Howell mobile home tenant get a rent reduction?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Howell
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