New Jersey city moves to cap rent hikes at just $20 — what tenants need to know

Elizabeth voters have backed restoring a rent-control rule that limits annual increases on covered apartments to 3% or $20, whichever is less. The result is a win for tenant advocates amid rising housing costs, but the ordinance is due to expire in December 2027 unless the City Council renews or changes it.

The measure won roughly 68% support, according to unofficial results. For a tenant paying $1,500 a month, the cap would limit a rent rise to $20 rather than $45 under a 3% increase; the city’s median gross rent is $1,523. The rule was removed in 2022, and landlords warn the stricter limit could make it harder to cover rising operating costs and fund property maintenance.