Showing ordinances that apply to Vista Center, NJ
Vista Center is an unincorporated community (population 2,370) in Ocean County, New Jersey. Because Vista Center is not an incorporated city, it does not have its own municipal code. Instead, Ocean County ordinances apply directly to properties here. The rent control rules below are the ones that govern your area.
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.
See how Vista Center's rent control rules stack up against other locations.
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