Local landlord and tenant rules in Linden, New Jersey
Linden, New Jersey has local rules on rent regulation (Linden Code ch. 11, §§ 11-2, 11-5, 11-5A, 11-7 (amended 2023)) and rental registration (Linden Code § 13-1), on top of New Jersey law.
Local rules in Linden, New Jersey
Rent regulation
In Linden the rent may rise once in twelve months, at the end of a lease term, by the lesser of the CPI change (90 days before the lease began to 90 days before it ends) or 5% — never below 0%. When a tenant leaves voluntarily or is lawfully evicted the rent may be raised by up to 25% of the last rent; the unit is then controlled again. Motels, hotels, rooming houses, buildings one-third or more commercial and buildings of three or fewer units are exempt, and new multiple dwellings as N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.1 allows.
Source: Linden Code ch. 11, §§ 11-2, 11-5, 11-5A, 11-7 (amended 2023). Checked on November 11, 2026.
Office: Linden Rent Leveling Board, (908) 474-8493 (website).
Linden Rental Registration & Annual Inspection
Each rental unit — except in buildings of more than five units — is registered with the City Clerk initially, every year and at each change of occupancy. The certificate is valid for one calendar year and must be posted in the property; each unit is inspected at least once a year, and property taxes and municipal charges must be paid before it registers (§ 13-1.13). File an amended form within 20 days of any change.
Source: Linden Code § 13-1. Checked on November 4, 2026.
New Jersey rules that apply in Linden
| Rule | New Jersey |
|---|---|
| How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in New Jersey? | 30 days |
| How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in New Jersey? | 1.5 months of rent |
| Does a landlord have to pay interest on a security deposit in New Jersey? | Deposit must sit in an interest-bearing New Jersey account; interest is paid or credited annually. |
| How much notice does a landlord have to give before raising the rent in New Jersey? | 30 days |
| How much notice must a landlord give to end a tenancy in New Jersey? | 30 days |
| How many days does a tenant get to pay late rent in New Jersey? | No general statutory period |
| Is there a grace period for paying rent in New Jersey? | 5 business days (some tenants only) |
| How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee in New Jersey? | $50 for all application fees together (not one- and two-family houses) |
Every New Jersey rule Seayora publishes.
The homes these rules cover in Linden
40.5% of the occupied homes in Linden are rented, about 6,267 households, a share higher than across New Jersey (36.2%).
The median gross rent is $1,731 a month, not measurably different from New Jersey as a whole ($1,720); that is what households report paying, utilities included, not the asking rent for a vacant apartment.
52.5% of renters there pay 30% or more of their income on rent.
75.8% of the homes were built before 1980, and the federal lead-paint disclosure rule covers housing built before 1978.
| Linden | Union County | New Jersey | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Households that rent | 40.5% (±3.8 points) | 42.6% | 36.2% |
| Median gross rent | $1,731 (±$71) | $1,730 | $1,720 |
| Renters paying 30% or more of income on rent | 52.5% (±6.3 points) | 51.4% | 51.6% |
| Median income of renter households | $67,024 (±$4,567) | $64,756 | $62,674 |
| Homes built before 1980 | 75.8% (±5.2 points) | 78.2% | 62.8% |
| Homes in buildings of five or more units | 15.7% (±2.5 points) | 20.4% | 21.8% |
| Households that moved in since 2020 | 18.8% (±2.7 points) | 22.4% | 21.2% |
All housing figures for Linden: rent by bedrooms, home values, property taxes, commute.
Source: US Census Bureau, Selected Housing Characteristics (DP04), 2020–2024 ACS 5-year estimates — undefined. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
Rentals and records in Linden
Rent control office: Linden Rent Leveling Board, (908) 474-8493 (website).
Questions about Linden’s local rules
Does Linden have rent control?
In Linden the rent may rise once in twelve months, at the end of a lease term, by the lesser of the CPI change (90 days before the lease began to 90 days before it ends) or 5% — never below 0%. When a tenant leaves voluntarily or is lawfully evicted the rent may be raised by up to 25% of the last rent; the unit is then controlled again. Motels, hotels, rooming houses, buildings one-third or more commercial and buildings of three or fewer units are exempt, and new multiple dwellings as N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.1 allows. (Linden Code ch. 11, §§ 11-2, 11-5, 11-5A, 11-7 (amended 2023))
How much can a landlord raise the rent in Linden?
In Linden the rent may rise once in twelve months, at the end of a lease term, by the lesser of the CPI change (90 days before the lease began to 90 days before it ends) or 5% — never below 0%. When a tenant leaves voluntarily or is lawfully evicted the rent may be raised by up to 25% of the last rent; the unit is then controlled again. (Linden Code ch. 11, §§ 11-2, 11-5, 11-5A, 11-7 (amended 2023))
Do landlords have to register rentals in Linden?
Each rental unit — except in buildings of more than five units — is registered with the City Clerk initially, every year and at each change of occupancy. The certificate is valid for one calendar year and must be posted in the property; each unit is inspected at least once a year, and property taxes and municipal charges must be paid before it registers (§ 13-1.13). File an amended form within 20 days of any change. (Linden Code § 13-1)
This is a summary of the local rules Seayora has read from each place’s own code, not legal advice. Ordinances change and a rule may have exceptions; check the citation and the office named before acting.