The City of Hoboken today announced the launch of a comprehensive Rent Control Education Campaign designed to help property owners and residents better understand the City's longstanding Rent Control Ordinance, property owner and tenant protections, and annual registration requirements, including the upcoming June 30 property registration deadline.
The multi-week campaign will include social media outreach, public information sessions, office hours, and online resources to increase awareness about Hoboken's rent control regulations and the services available through the Rent Leveling and Stabilization Office.
“Rent control is one of the tools Hoboken uses to support housing affordability and stability while preserving what makes our community special,” said Mayor Emily B. Jabbour. “By educating the public on the rules for rent increases and working to capture and maintain accurate records, we can promote transparency, provide predictability for property owners, and help ensure that longtime residents can continue to call Hoboken home.”
Through this campaign, the City aims to provide more accessible information for both landlords and tenants while promoting compliance, transparency, and housing affordability
As part of the campaign, the City’s Rent Leveling and Stabilization Office will host two evening webinars:
Landlord Webinar: Rent Control Registration & Compliance 101 Date: Monday, June 29 Time: 6 p.m.
Register: CLICK HERE
Description: This webinar will provide an overview of annual registration requirements, SDL Portal registration procedures, required documentation, common mistakes, and compliance obligations under Chapter 155. Attendees will also learn how registration impacts eligibility for allowable legal rent increases. General questions that are not regarding properties may be submitted in advance to rentcontrol@hobokennj.gov and please include the subject line “Landlord Webinar.” A brief question-and-answer session will be held at the end of the presentation.
Tenant Webinar: Understanding Rent Control & Available Resources Date: Monday, July 13 Time: 6 p.m.
Registration: CLICK HERE
Description: This session will help renters understand how rent control works in Hoboken, understanding rental increases, what protections may exist, and the role of the Rent Leveling and Stabilization Office. Rent Regulation Officers will also discuss available records, appeals processes, and how tenants can obtain assistance. General questions that are not regarding properties may be submitted in advance to rentcontrol@hobokennj.gov and please include the subject line “Tenant Webinar.” A brief question-and-answer session will be held at the end of the presentation.
Annual Property Owner and Condo Owner Registration
The City is also reminding all property owners, landlords, and responsible agents that residential properties offered for rent must be registered annually with the Rent Leveling and Stabilization Office by June 30. The majority of Hoboken rental properties, including many condominium units, are covered under rent control regulations. Federally funded housing, certain new construction, and commercial properties may be exempt under Municipal Code Chapter 155.
Timely and accurate registration is a legal requirement and helps:
Maintain eligibility for allowable rent increases, including CPI adjustments and Vacancy Decontrol where applicable;
Protect property owners from fines and penalties;
Ensure accurate City records;
Promote transparency and accountability within Hoboken's housing market.
The Division of Housing will continue active enforcement of the City’s rent control laws. Properties that fail to register may be subject to increased registration fees and may forfeit eligibility for future rent increases.
“This campaign is about education and compliance,” said Rent Regulations Officer Diane Nieves-Carreras. “We want landlords and tenants to understand the rules, know where to get help, and have access to accurate information.”
As part of annual registration, landlords are now required to also provide proof of rent received for registered units.
Acceptable documentation includes:
A fully executed lease or rental agreement;
Evidence of actual rent payments, such as rent receipts, bank statements, cancelled checks, or electronic payment records.
If adequate proof is not provided, the Rent Regulation Officer is required under law to deny any requested rent increase and provide written notice outlining the reason for denial. Property owners will have 30 days to fix any deficiencies in their registration once they are notified.
To register a property, CLICK HERE. Those registering their property for the first time, CLICK HERE for instructions.
The Rent Control and Stabilization Office, located at 124 Grand St. is responsible for providing assistance to landlords and tenants as they navigate the potential impacts the Municipal Rent Control Ordinance, may have on their properties and apartments as well as provide technical assistance on a wide variety of rental matters.
Property owners and residents can learn more about Hoboken's Rent Leveling and Stabilization Ordinance, annual registration requirements, and available resources by visiting the City's Rent Leveling and Stabilization Office webpage at www.hobokennj.gov/departments/rent-leveling-and-stabilization-office, by contacting the office directly for assistance at rentcontrol@hobokennj.gov, or (201) 420-2000x1721 or (201) 420-2000x1723.
