Rent Leveling Board

In November 2025, Bloomfield modernized its rent leveling ordinance for the first time since 2016 to reflect changes in the rental landscape over the past decade. The updated ordinance strengthens transparency, clarifies procedures for both tenants and landlords, and ensures fair, consistent practices for rental increases. 

A key change is the reconfigured Rent Leveling Board, which now includes broader representation from tenants, landlords, and the public. The ordinance also outlines clearer processes for how the Board conducts meetings, reviews cases, and communicates decisions. 

Under the new rules, rental increases must follow stricter guidelines, including capped increases for senior tenants, and no increase can take effect unless it complies with the ordinance. The update also sets detailed standards for when landlords may seek certain types of increases, such as hardship increases or those related to major capital improvements or new services. These requests must be backed by financial documentation so tenants understand the basis for any proposed change.

The ordinance also establishes an appeals process for Board decisions, strengthens requirements to maintain building services, and introduces a Landlord Registration Statement so residents have transparent information about building ownership and management. 

Residents who believe a rent increase does not comply with the ordinance, or who wish to challenge a related issue, may request a hearing with the Rent Leveling Board by submitting a Tenant Complaint Form.

Chapter 435 of the Township Code was amended, and those changes went into effect on July 1, 2016. The ordinance restricts the increase of annual rents for tenants in properties containing six or more rental units unless an exemption is received. View the current list of rent-controlled properties sorted by street (PDF). Previous ordinances would cover tenancies before July 1, 2016.

Please find various informative documents to the right including the current ordinance and helpful information for tenants and landlords.

Agendas and Minutes:

Please see the agenda center for upcoming agendas and minutes from prior meetings.