NJ A751

Caps annual rent increases at 5% plus the Consumer Price Index inflation rate, or 10%, whichever is lower, calculated from the lowest rent charged in the prior 12 months

Exempts newly constructed units (within 15 years), deed-restricted affordable housing, college dormitories, owner-occupied duplexes, and single-family homes rented by individual landlords (not corporations or REITs)

Allows landlords to set any initial rent for new tenants when the previous tenant has fully vacated, with the cap applying only to subsequent increases

Does not override local rent control ordinances that provide stronger tenant protections, but preempts local laws that would allow higher increases than the state cap

Violations constitute consumer fraud, allowing tenants to seek penalties under state consumer protection law, terminate non-compliant leases, or use violations as a defense against eviction; applies retroactively to rent increases since February 1, 2022