How to Find My City’s Rent Control Laws

Only a handful of states in the entire United States (including New York, New Jersey, California and Maryland) have rent control laws. None of them has statewide laws. Instead, cities within these states pass their own rent control laws. State laws affect city rent control ordinances (also called rent stabilization or maximum rent regulation), so you should become familiar with both to understand the laws in your area. In some places, rent control and rent stabilization are different things with different sets of regulations. In other places, the two terms mean the same thing.

What is Rent Control?

Rent control refers to laws or ordinances that set price controls on the amount of rent your landlord can charge for residential housing. Rent control ordinances also limit the circumstances and the times that rent may be increased in any year. Its purpose is to set a price ceiling on residential property. In addition, many rent control laws require landlords to have a “just cause” (such as nonpayment of rent) to terminate your tenancy. Without a sound legal reason, they can’t evict you from a rent controlled apartment.

Some ordinances specify procedures that a landlord must follow before increasing your rent. Each community’s ordinance is different. When you move to a rent controlled city, always get a copy of your own city’s ordinance.

Aside from rent limits and rent increases, rent control laws also cover the landlord’s responsibility to make repairs, lease renewals, evictions, and special rules for groups like senior citizens. For instance, senior citizens may be protected from rent increases permitted for younger tenants.

How To Find Your City’s Rent Control Laws

You can usually find your city’s rent control laws on their website. Most cities have a section listing all ordinances, including any for rent control. Many state websites also contain information on rent control, frequently with links to resources for tenants. However, ordinances change occasionally, making the version posted online outdated.

To find the latest version, contact the mayor, city manager or county clerk’s office. In some cities, a copy of the ordinance can be found at your local library. Most libraries have a section devoted to state and local laws. If you run into trouble locating the rent control ordinance, the librarian can point you in the right direction.

Another method for staying current on your city’s rent control laws is to contact your local rent control board. Either look up their address and phone number in your local phone book or on your city’s website.

Rent Control Boards

Cities with rent control have rent control boards or agencies. A well-known rent control board is the New York City Rent Guidelines Board. It is comprised of political leaders, landlords and tenant representatives. The job of a rent control board is to enforce the rent control laws. In some cities, boards have the power to approve or deny rent increases. They also serve as a resource for tenants and landlords who need information about their rights and responsibilities. If you have questions or problems related to rent control in your area, you can contact them for assistance.

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Lisa Bernstein: As a long-time apartment dweller and seasoned condominium trustee, I have dealt with numerous landlord-tenant, property management, and day-to-day apartment complex issues. My extensive, direct experience has led to invaluable insights into apartment life from both the tenant and management perspectives.