Last night, the City passed an ordinance preventing rent increases in rent-controlled buildings during the State of Emergency because of COVID-19. Tenants are still obliged to pay their rent on a timely basis in accordance with their lease. However, landlords of rent-controlled apartments are not permitted to add a rent increase for throughout the duration of the State of Emergency, and an additional two months after its completion.
“Residents in rent-controlled apartments, many of whom are struggling financially due to COVID-19, now have the peace of mind that their rent will not be increased for the near future,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “Hoboken is here to help tenants during these difficult times, and I thank Councilman Russo and Councilwoman Jabbour for co-sponsoring this important legislation.”
Tenants or landlords with questions about the new regulations, including whether or not a specific apartment is rent controlled, should call the Hoboken Rent Leveling and Stabilization Office at (201) 420-2396 ext. 2062 between the hours of Monday through Friday, 9 am until 4 pm.
Evictions are also prohibited in the State of New Jersey throughout the duration of the State of Emergency in New Jersey due to an executive order signed by Governor Phil Murphy. If any residential tenant is getting a notice of eviction, please contact Caroline Caulfield at the Office of Constituent Affairs at ccaulfield@hobokennj.gov.
Additionally, Hoboken’s Tenant Advocate, Andrew Sobel, Esq. is taking phone appointments to offer free legal advice for Hoboken tenants related to their tenancy. Residents should email bevans@sobelhan.com or call 201-470-6233 to schedule an appointment with Mr. Sobel.
The City Council voted 8-0-1 in favor of the ordinance, which will take effect for the month of April.
