Paterson Rent Leveling Ordinance – annual rent increase cap
How much can my rent go up?
Max 5%, once every 12 months.
Tenants 65+ or disabled get lower caps: 3.5%, or 2.5% with low income.
Depends on the number of units.
Who it covers
- Buildings with 2 or more units.
- Not buildings less than 30 years old.
- Not owner-occupied buildings with 2 units or fewer.
- Covers: Applies to dwellings of three or more units if owner-occupied, or two or more units if not owner-occupied (§ 381-3E).
- Exemptions: Buildings with only one rented unit; motels; hotels; multiple dwellings built after Dec. 23, 1999 (shorter of initial mortgage amortization or 30 years); substantially rehabilitated structures; city rehabilitation program units; licensed rooming houses; HUD/HMFA owned or subsidized housing. Vacancy decontrol for rehabilitated formerly vacant/abandoned units (once per 3 years).
- In force since
- Dec 18, 1979
- Enacted
- Dec 18, 1979
“Every landlord without recourse to the Board or Administrator may annually request of a tenant an increase in rent which shall not be greater than 5%, or 3 1/2% for head of household tenants 65 years of age or older …”
Paterson Code § 381-14 · ecode360.com · Retrieved Oct 6, 2026