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Mayor Solomon Announces Crackdown on Bad Landlords & Rent Control Audit
Citywide audit will identify rent-controlled properties and detect violations; municipal prosecutor directed to seek maximum penalties for housing code violations
JERSEY CITY, NJ (January 22, 2026) –
Mayor James Solomon today took action to protect renters from unfair rent increases and negligent landlords – including the launch of a citywide audit of residential rental properties for compliance with Jersey City’s rent control ordinance and a letter directing the municipal prosecutor to seek maximum penalties for violations of housing-related ordinances.
"If you work hard and pay your rent, you should expect your landlord to hold up their side of the deal,"
said Mayor James Solomon. "Too many landlords in Jersey City are charging rents above what is allowed under the city's rent control law, or have failed to maintain apartments – leaving too many of our neighbors to pay high rents for crumbling housing. Landlords are on notice that if they are flouting the law or providing sub-par housing, then there will be consequences."
Cracking Down on Illegal Rents
The executive order establishing the citywide rent control audit directs the Division of Housing Preservation, under the supervision of the Business Administrator, to identify which residential properties are lawfully subject to rent control, facilitate the detection of violations, and establish the foundation for a permanent public rent control database. The audit may be initiated independently of tenant complaints, and findings of noncompliance will be referred for enforcement action.
Where the audit identifies a building lawfully subject to rent control, tenants will be promptly notified in writing and provided with clear guidance on how to file complaints with the Rent Leveling Board to contest potentially unlawful rent increases.
Seeking Maximum Penalties for Housing Violations.
The second action directs the municipal prosecutor to enforce the city's recently adopted Minimum Penalty Ordinance for Housing-Related Violations, which was unanimously passed by the City Council in October 2025. The ordinance requires mandatory minimum fines for qualifying violations and ensures that unaddressed habitability violations remain continuing violations until properly addressed.
Jersey City is experiencing a severe housing affordability crisis. Despite the strength of the city's rent control ordinance on paper, lack of transparency and inconsistent enforcement have undermined its effectiveness in practice. Many tenants do not know whether their homes are lawfully subject to rent control, and there is currently no way for them to easily access information necessary to verify the legality of rent increases.
The rent control audit fulfills a commitment Mayor Solomon made during the campaign and his inaugural address to enforce Jersey City's rent control laws through transparency, enforcement, and accountability.
The Business Administrator will provide monthly progress updates to the Mayor's Office on audit findings and enforcement actions.
About Jersey City | Jersey City is New Jersey's second-largest city and one of the most diverse communities in America, home to over 290,000 residents representing more than 100 countries. Located directly across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, Jersey City combines rich history, vibrant neighborhoods from the Heights to Greenville, and a commitment to opportunity for all. Mayor James Solomon and his administration are dedicated to building a government as good as its people—one that makes Jersey City affordable, delivers competent service, and upholds the public trust.