What's the maximum rent increase in Newark for 2026?
Max 4%
Newark caps rent increases on rent-controlled units at 4%, and at less when the CPI change is lower. We could not confirm the current month's official percentage on a city page.
- In effect
- Monthly (by month of the proposed increase)
- Next change
- No fixed date
- Set by
- Newark Office of Rent Control · City ordinance
- Last checked
- October 17, 2026
How the Newark cap is calculated
CPI-U change (15 to 3 months before), max 4%
No more than the percentage increase in the CPI-U (New York-Newark-Jersey City area) from 15 months before the month of the proposed increase to three months before it, and never more than 4%. No increase is allowed if the dwelling is not in substantial compliance or is not registered.
CPI input, from the BLS public API
| Series | From | To | Change | Formula | Compare |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPI-U, New York-Newark-Jersey City: increase in Nov 2026 (Aug 2026 vs Aug 2025) | August 2025: 347.266 | August 2026: 362.328 | 4.34% | = 4.34% → cap 4% | Unofficial estimate, not the legal figure |
| CPI-U, New York-Newark-Jersey City: increase in Dec 2026 (Sep 2026 vs Sep 2025) | September 2025: 348.096 | September 2026: 363.870 | 4.53% | = 4.53% → cap 4% | Unofficial estimate, not the legal figure |
Index values from api.bls.gov (not seasonally adjusted), pulled October 17, 2026. Agencies may use different months, averages or rounding, so the headline figure on this page is always the officially published one.
Law: Rent Control Regulations, Title 19 ch. 19:2.
Who it covers, and who's exempt
Covered
- Multiple dwellings in Newark (§ 19:2-2.1), including 1–4 family homes offered for rent, unless exempt
Main exemptions & conditions
- Public housing; hotel/motel space rented day to day; commercial space
- Newly constructed multiple dwellings, for up to 30 years (or the initial mortgage amortization period, if shorter)
- Certain substantially rehabilitated vacant dwellings (5-year exemption)
- Units in federal/state rental rehabilitation programs receiving Section 8, while in the program
Notice, and when it changes next
Notice: At least 30 days' written notice to the tenant and the Rent Regulation Officer, stating the prior rent, the increase and the percentage.
Next change: Monthly by formula. We will add the official figure once we can read it from a city page.
Official sources
“no landlord may request or receive an increase greater than the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the CPI 15 months prior to the month of the proposed rent increase to the CPI three months prior to the month of the proposed rent increase. In no case shall the allowable rent increase exceed 4%.”
“In no case shall the allowable rent increase exceed 4%.”
See something out of date? The methodology page explains how we check figures.
Frequently asked
What is the maximum rent increase in Newark for 2026?
Newark caps rent increases on rent-controlled units at 4%, and at less when the CPI change is lower. We could not confirm the current month's official percentage on a city page.
How is the Newark rent cap calculated?
No more than the percentage increase in the CPI-U (New York-Newark-Jersey City area) from 15 months before the month of the proposed increase to three months before it, and never more than 4%. No increase is allowed if the dwelling is not in substantial compliance or is not registered.
Which rentals are exempt from the Newark cap?
Public housing; hotel/motel space rented day to day; commercial space. Newly constructed multiple dwellings, for up to 30 years (or the initial mortgage amortization period, if shorter). Certain substantially rehabilitated vacant dwellings (5-year exemption).
When does the Newark rent cap change next?
Monthly by formula. We will add the official figure once we can read it from a city page.
Where does this Newark figure come from?
From City of Newark (eCode360): “Chapter 19:2 Rent Control Regulations”, which we last checked on October 17, 2026. Always confirm with the agency before relying on it.