New Hoboken Rules Prevent Some Rent Increases During Coronavirus

HOBOKEN, N.J. – Landlords of rent-controlled apartments in Hoboken will not be allowed to add a rent increase for the duration of the state of emergency due to the new coronavirus crisis, thanks to a new ordinance passed by the Hoboken City Council Wednesday.

The new regulations will prevent increases during the coronavirus crisis, plus an additional two months after the state of emergency has been lifted. However, tenants will still be expected to pay their rent on a timely basis according to their leases.

These new rules will affect about 8,000 units in Hoboken, according to Vijay Chaudhuri, a spokesman for Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla. Many buildings that were built in Hoboken before 1987 are rent controlled, with the exception of tax abated buildings or those under a subsidy, which fall under different rules.

"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," Bhalla said in a prepared statement.

Anyone with questions about the new regulations should contact the Hoboken Rent Leveling and Stabilization Office at 201-420-2396 ext. 2062.

In addition to these new regulations, evictions are also prohibited in New Jersey during the coronavirus crisis per an executive order signed by Governor Phil Murphy.

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