Renters can't be charged a broker fee; the landlord pays it alone.
Why, and the exact law
Depends on the number of units.
From Edison Code § 5.52.020(c), read Oct 6, 2026.Show the law
“No landlord shall charge any application fee to prospective tenants unless said fee bears a reasonable relationship to some expense incurred by the landlord in processing the application …”
State law applies here too. Where both cover a rental, the stricter city rule usually wins; each rule below says so.
Edison lawDepends on the building
Edison rent control ordinance: application fees and brokerage charges
How much can they charge me to apply?
Application fee over $25 is presumed too high.
Renters can't be charged a broker fee; the landlord pays it alone.
Depends on the number of units.
Who it covers
Buildings with 3 or more units.
Covers: Dwellings with 3 or more units covered by the ordinance.
The law, word for word
“No landlord shall charge any application fee to prospective tenants unless said fee bears a reasonable relationship to some expense incurred by the landlord in processing the application …”
From 2027 the state adjusts the cap each year for inflation.
Depends on the number of units.
Who it covers
Buildings with 3 or more units.
Exemptions: One-family or two-family dwellings; NJ Real Estate Commission licensees unless they are the landlord.
In force since
May 1, 2026
Enacted
Jan 20, 2026
Figure period
until Dec 2026
The law, word for word
“A landlord, or
agent thereof, shall not require an application or other similar fee to apply
to lease or sublease a residential rental property for dwelling purposes, which
exceeds $50 …”
P.L.2025, c.405 · pub.njleg.gov · Retrieved Oct 1, 2026