Paterson, NJ Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Applies to
- 2+ unit non-owner-occ. buildings
- Also applies to
- 3+ unit owner-occupied buildings
- Update frequency
- annually, or on each filing
- Filed with
- Rent Leveling Board
- Non-compliance penalty
- loses right to rent increase
Summary
Landlords of Paterson's rent-leveled buildings (2+ units if not owner-occupied, 3+ if owner-occupied) must register every dwelling unit's address, rent, and manager with the Rent Leveling Board and update it annually.
The Board shall require registration of all dwelling units to be provided upon enactment of this chapter. An annual update is required if there is any change in status. In lieu of an annual update, the landlord is required to submit a registration with all applications to the Rent Leveling Office. This registration shall include the following:
(a) The address of each dwelling unit.
(b) The name and usual address of the manager of the dwelling.
(c) The name and usual address of the owner or person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner for the purpose of receiving services of process and for the purpose of receiving and receipting all notices and demands.
(d) The rents for each unit.
(e) The housing services provided for the unit or the occupants or tenants thereof.
(f) The surcharge, if any, presently being charged.
(g) The surcharge expiration date.
(h) The date of the last increase.
(2) Registration must be completed within a six-month period after adoption of this chapter.
(3) All registration forms shall be provided by the Rent Leveling Office and shall be included in the tax bills to be mailed in the next tax period. [Amended 3-28-2017 by Ord. No. 17-022]
L. Records. A copy of this registration information shall be kept at the office of the Board.
M. Records. A copy of this registration information shall be kept at the office of the Board. [Added 2-28-2023 by Ord. No. 23-013[2]] [2]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Under City Code § 381-4K, the Rent Leveling Board requires registration of every dwelling unit covered by the rent leveling ordinance, with an annual update whenever anything changes, or a fresh registration filed with each Board application instead. The filing must list the unit's address; the manager's name and address; the owner's (or authorized agent's) name and address for service of process; the current rent; the housing services provided; any surcharge and its expiration date; and the date of the last increase. Coverage follows § 381-3E: buildings of three or more units when owner-occupied, or two or more units when not owner-occupied. Skipping registration also blocks the landlord from taking the annual rent increase under § 381-14A(3).
Violations & Fines
Failing to register a covered unit voids the landlord's right to an annual rent increase under § 381-14A(3) until registration is filed and current with the Rent Leveling Board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Paterson landlords have to register their rentals?
What happens if I skip the annual registration update?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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