Hoboken tenants advocate for stronger rent control and accountability amid recent increases

The Hoboken City Council meeting held on December 4, 2024, featured significant discussions surrounding tenant rights and housing conditions in the city. The meeting began with public comments, where Zachary King, a member of Hoboken United Tenants, addressed the council regarding recent developments in local housing policies.

King expressed gratitude to the council members and Mayor Ravi Bhalla for their support in defeating a recent referendum that threatened rent control in Hoboken. He highlighted that 75% of voters opposed the measure, emphasizing the importance of continued advocacy for tenant rights. However, he noted that challenges remain, particularly concerning the conditions in public housing. King reported witnessing deplorable living conditions, including issues with lead paint, and urged the council to ensure adequate funding and resources for public housing improvements.

Additionally, King raised concerns about the landlord lobby's failure to comply with campaign finance laws during the referendum campaign. He called for the council to investigate these violations, asserting that all political participants must adhere to legal standards.

King also addressed the issue of property neglect, arguing that landlords should not use the need for repairs as justification for rent increases. He suggested that tenants should have the right to report neglect and potentially seek reimbursement for repairs made out of their own pockets.

A pressing issue discussed was the recent 9.8% rent increase faced by residents of Marine View, a building that should be subject to the city's rent control laws. King urged the council to hold the property owners accountable and to ensure that the increase does not exceed legal limits.

In closing, King thanked council members for their efforts in defining "unconscionable" rent increases, a term that had previously lacked clarity in New Jersey law. He proposed that the threshold for such increases be lowered from 10% to 5%, arguing that the current rates are excessive and detrimental to tenants.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges faced by tenants in Hoboken and the council's role in addressing these issues through policy and enforcement. Further discussions and actions are anticipated as the council continues to navigate housing concerns in the community.