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Disclaimer: I, Kevin Weller, am not an attorney, nor do I represent tenants in a legal capacity. All information shared here is for informational purposes only to support tenant advocacy. For legal matters, please consult our licensed legal team.

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We are the tenants of Portside Towers, two buildings in Jersey City, NJ. Over the past three years, more than 500 families in our buildings have faced massive rent increases of 20-40%. Some of our neighbors became homeless. Others were forced to leave the city they love.

But here's what makes our story different: our buildings are supposed to be protected by rent control. Under local law, annual rent increases are capped at whichever is lower: 4% or the consumer price index. Either way, 20-40% increases are illegal.

We believe our landlord, Equity Residential, has failed to comply with Jersey City's and New Jersey's rent control laws. According to our documented evidence, tenants across our community are being overcharged by more than $500,000 every month. Many families face financial hardship, displacement, and in some cases, homelessness.

Our fight goes beyond Portside Towers. This is a stand for renters across the country, a warning about what happens when tenant protection laws are not enforced. We aim to send a powerful message: tenants deserve fair treatment and lawful protections. Together, we can make a difference that reverberates nationwide.

In our efforts, we uncovered a troubling reality: despite laws meant to protect us, enforcement fell short. We discovered that larger forces can operate with impunity when accountability mechanisms fail.

Here is our story:

It all started with an email to the Jersey City Office of Landlord-Tenant Relations in May 2022.

A tenant emailed a simple question after facing massive rent increases: "Is my building subject to rent control?"

The answer came back: Yes.

And in that reply, we learned about Annual Landlord Registration Statements, official documents that landlords must file with the city.

We obtained these statements for our buildings. They confirmed, under the signature of our landlord and subject to penalty, that both Portside buildings were, and are, subject to rent control.

What the Law Requires

If a landlord claims exemption from rent control, New Jersey law requires specific documented proof. This proof takes the form of a claim of exemption filing, which can only be filed by the building's original owner. This filing must occur at least 30 days before the completion of construction, before the certificate of occupancy is issued.

These requirements are not optional. They are embedded in both Jersey City's local ordinance (Chapter 260) and New Jersey state law (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.4).

In 1999, the New Jersey Legislature reinforced these requirements, stating: "This act shall take effect immediately and shall be applicable to all multiple dwellings... provided that the owner of the multiple dwellings has fully complied with the requirements of section 4 of P.L.1987 c.153 (C.2A:42-84.4)."

The Legislature's message was clear: full compliance is required. There is no substantial compliance doctrine. Either the proper filing was made within the statutory timeframe, or it wasn't.

Note: All information provided is based on tenant-collected records and our legal team's analysis of the rent control ordinance. Any legal questions should be directed to a qualified attorney.

What We Discovered

We received confirmation from the Office of Landlord-Tenant Relations that at least one Portside building was subject to rent control. We obtained copies of the Annual Landlord Registration Statements, which confirmed rent control status for both buildings. We obtained the certificates of occupancy. We requested the statutorily required claims of exemption for each building.

No exemption filings were located for either Portside building.

At this point, the full picture started to come into focus.

We reviewed Jersey City's rent control ordinance (Chapter 260), which the Office of Landlord-Tenant Relations is responsible for enforcing. According to our legal team's analysis, this ordinance establishes that rent control is the default unless a building's original owner takes specific steps to obtain a temporary exemption. The Director of the Office of Landlord-Tenant Relations, titled the Rent Leveling Administrator, oversees these determinations.

The City's Reversal

In September 2022, four months after confirming our buildings were subject to rent control, the Rent Leveling Administrator issued new determinations stating each building had a 30-year exemption from rent control.

The determination letters included statements acknowledging the absence of required filings:

"NJSA 2A:42-84.4 requires that a written statement of the owner's claim be sent to the municipal construction code official 30 days before the issuance of the CO…"

"Portside was not the owner at the time the CO for 100 Warren was issued in August 1992, and evidently the owner at that time did not apply for the exemption because the intention was to have condominiums, not rentals, in the building…"

"To date, no letter to the Construction Code Official in connection with the requested exemption from rent control for 155 Washington has been located."

Despite confirming that no exemption filings existed, the city reversed its determination and favored the landlord. The city disregarded multiple years of Annual Landlord Registration Statements, signed under penalty, where Equity Residential certified that Portside Towers were subject to rent control, dismissing them as "clerical errors."

The explanation for missing statutory filings: city employees might have lost them, and therefore these documents must be assumed to exist.

But Even If There Were an Exemption

According to our legal team's analysis, even buildings claiming exemption status remain subject to Jersey City's transparency requirements. New Jersey law (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.2) only exempts buildings from provisions "which limit the periodic or regular increases in base rentals."

Transparency requirements, including landlord registration (§260-3H), accurate disclosure of prior rents (§260-3I), and Truth-in-Renting compliance (§260-3J), are not provisions that "limit" rent increases.

They are procedural requirements that apply to all landlords.

As our legal team's analysis demonstrates, these provisions serve essential functions: creating public records, enabling investigation of violations, providing information to prospective tenants, and establishing baseline data for when temporary exemptions expire.

The consequences for violating these provisions, including disqualification from implementing rent increases, remain fully enforceable against all buildings.

We Organized

The city expected us to give up after receiving the September 2022 determination letters favoring the landlord.

We didn't.

We formed tenant associations for both Portside buildings. We garnered national and local press coverage: the Wall Street Journal, NBC News, NJ Spotlight News. We began appearing regularly at City Council meetings. We've attended over 60 council meetings over three years.

At one meeting, Jersey City Council President Joyce Watterman stated: "…because if paperwork was not filed correctly, I see your point. I do. I just think that as a city, when we fall short, we just gotta own it, so to say... We just have to do what's right."

Her words offered hope. However, they did not translate into action to stop the documented overcharges.

Three Years Later: We're Winning

This is a battle bigger than Portside tenants alone. But our organizing has achieved concrete victories that protect tenants across Jersey City:

✓ May 2025: Jersey City became the first municipality in New Jersey to ban algorithmic rent-setting software

✓ August 2025: City Council voted 8-0 to create a Renter Protection Special Investigations Committee with subpoena power, with citywide jurisdiction to investigate violations from any landlord in any ward

✓ September 2025: Council voted 9-0 to pass mandatory disclosure requirements for all rent increases

✓ September 2025: Council voted 9-0 to clarify that transparency requirements apply to all landlords regardless of claimed exemptions

✓ Federal Court: Our Tenant Associations were granted intervention rights in the class-action lawsuit, giving us independent legal standing

We're also building coalitions with tenant groups across Jersey City. Faith in New Jersey, Make the Road NJ, and tenants from other buildings have joined our fight. This isn't about one landlord or one building anymore. It's about whether Jersey City will enforce laws protecting all renters.

According to testimony at a September 2025 budget hearing, Jersey City could collect "$100 million in uncollected fines related to rent control violations" citywide. Now the city has tools to enforce accountability.

Why Your Support Matters

Equity Residential has unlimited corporate resources and high-priced lawyers on retainer. We have organized tenants and supporters who refuse to accept injustice, but we need resources to match their legal firepower.

Every dollar you contribute funds:

- Our continued legal representation in federal and state courts

- Expert testimony documenting illegal overcharges

- Evidence gathering for the investigatory committee

- Coalition building with other tenant groups

- Support for other Jersey City tenants facing similar violations

Can you contribute today?

Even better: Become a monthly donor. Recurring donations of $25, $50, or $100 per month give us the predictable resources to plan long-term legal strategy instead of constantly scrambling for funds.

The outcome of our case has the potential to impact tenants' rights on a larger scale and could influence decisions nationwide. Any remaining funds will support other Jersey City tenants facing unlawful rent increases.

We've proven that organized tenants can achieve policy change. We've shown that documentation and persistence can defeat corporate resistance. And we've demonstrated that when tenants across a city unite, we can win protections for everyone.

We're not done. But we're winning, for all of us.

Learn more about us and watch the fact-based testimony we've delivered at City Council meetings:

City Council Meetings (CLICK TO SEE US IN ACTION!):

November 9, 2022 (The FIRST 2 Speeches!)=> Click Here

November 28, 2022 => Click Here

November 28, 2022 (The City Council Responds!)=> Click Here

December 14, 2022 (We have signs!)=>Click Here

December 14, 2022 (The City Council Responds!)=> Click Here

December 22, 2022 (Special Meeting)=>Click Here

January 11, 2023 (Call For Richardson Statement)=> Click Here

January 25, 2023> Hudson County Commissioner => Click Here

January 25, 2023 => Click Here

February 8, 2023> Hudson County Commissioner Letter => Click Here

February 8, 2023 => Click Here

February 23, 2023 => Click Here

March 23, 2023 => Click Here

February 22, 2024

PRESS:

October 30, 2017 – Politico – Bid Rig =>Click Here

October 4, 2021 – Hudson County View

Solomon proposes Jersey City ethics reforms

October 10, 2022 - Patch.com

Luxury Waterfront Tower Falls Under Rent Control

November 21, 2022 - Wall Street Journal

Tenants Confront Landlord Over Rent Hikes

November 21, 2022 - Patch.com =>Click Here

November 21, 2022 - The Real Deal

Sam Zell discovers JC rent control the hard way

November 23, 2022 - YouTube Story =>Click Here

December 1, 2022 - Patch.com =>Click Here

December 7, 2022 - Hudson Reporter =>Click Here

December 15, 2022 - Hudson County View =>Click Here

January 13, 2023 - Jersey City Times =>Click Here

January 17, 2023 > - Hudson County View - Ron Bautista Letter=>Click Here

January 17, 2023 > Ron Bautista Video=>Click Here

January 23, 2023 - Hudson County View =>Click Here

January 24, 2023 – Eleana Little – I stand with Portside Towers =>Click Here

January 26, 2023 - Hudson County View =>Click Here

February 11, 2023 - NJ.com =>Click Here

February 19, 2023 - Front Page Star Ledger =>Click Here

February 24, 2023 - Hudson County View =>Click Here

March 8, 2023

Jersey City officials attend Tenant Town Hall at P

March 9, 2023

Portside tenants again ask for Jersey City to enfo

March 27, 2023

Tenants Fight Back After Facing 20-30 Percent Rent

March 31, 2023

Portside Towers tenants in Jersey City buoyed by r

April 4, 2023

Jersey City lawmakers set to introduce 'right to c

April 7, 2023

Jersey City Pitches Right-to-Counsel Paid by Devel

April 7, 2023

Kevin Weller Files Class Action Lawsuit Against RealPage

June 1, 2023

Jersey City Rent Leveling Board hears highly antic

June 15, 2023

Jersey City becomes 21st jurisdiction with tenant

June 16, 2023

Jersey City Grants Free Counsel to Renters Facing

June 19, 2023

City Council Passes Right-to-Counsel Plan

July 27, 2023

Landlords sue Jersey City over plan to give tenant

July 27, 2023

Lawsuit Seeks to Void Jersey City's New Tenant Fri

September 20, 2023

As Jersey City formulates new rent control laws...

October 11, 2023

Tenants Win Hearing Against Luxury Landlord Avalon

October 12, 2023

Fulop: Clarify New Jersey's good cause eviction, i

October 19, 2023

WATCH Tenants Of Portside Towers In Jersey City F

October 20, 2023

★ MAJOR VICTORY

Jersey City board rules that Portside Towers build

October 23, 2023

★ MAJOR VICTORY

Tenants at Equity Residential building secure rent

November 10, 2023

Equity Residential Files Federal Lawsuit Challenging Rent Control Decision

November 13, 2023

Jersey City Sued Over "Revoked" Rent Control...

December 1, 2023

★ MAJOR STORY

Even When Rent Control Is in Effect Tenants Need

December 12, 2023

Did a Notorious Landlord Find a Way Around Rent Co

December 14, 2023

Jersey City Council hears new Portside Towers conc

February 3, 2024

★ MAJOR TV NEWS STORY

Why U.S. renters are taking corporate landlords to

February 5, 2024

AvalonBay sues Hoboken over rent control decision

February 26, 2024

3 Large U.S. Landlords Sue Hoboken and Jersey City

March 2024

Rent Control in New Jersey: What is it? Where is i

May 8, 2024

Jersey City may be first in NJ to ban landlords fr

May 9 2024

Jersey City Council Advances Ordinances that Ban AI-Powered Rent-Fixing Algorithms

May 21 2024

★ MAJOR LEGISLATIVE WIN

Jersey City Council Bans the Use of AI-Driven Software When Setting Rent Prices

May 21 2024

Jersey City Council Approves Landmark Ordinances to Ban Algorithmic Rent Gouging Among Tenants

June 13 2024

Jersey City Council votes down $80k contract for lawyer in Portside Towers case

June 13 2024

Mysterious Gunshot Pierces High-Rise Window on Jersey City Waterfront

June 27 2024

Jersey City Council passes measure urging legislature to ban rent-setting algorithms

June 27 2024

Jersey City Takes Aim at Landlords 'Colluding' on Rent Hikes

July 2 2024

★ $400M LAWSUIT

Portside Towers groups file $400M federal lawsuit against Equity Residential

July 2 2024

★ $400M LAWSUIT

Tenants File $400M Federal Lawsuit Against Corporate Landlord In Hudson County

July 2 2024

★ $400M LAWSUIT

Portside Towers Tenants File Landmark $400 Million Class Action Lawsuit Against Equity Residential

July 3 2024

★ $400M LAWSUIT

Portside Towers Tenants Sue Equity Residential / Jersey City tenants' class action claims landlord keeps flouting rent control

July 3 2024

Portside Tenants File $400M Class Action to Recover Rent Overcharges

July 17 2024

★ TV NEWS STORY

Are algorithms behind dramatic rent increases?

August 21 2024

Officials Blast 'Unsafe' Conditions at Equity Residential's Buildings in Jersey City

September 12 2024

Residents Demand Action Against Landlord Negligence and Illegal Rent Hikes

October 24 2024

★ STATE LEGISLATION

Lawmakers advance bill to ban landlords' use of rent-setting software

November 5-6 2024

Rent Control Amendment: 'No' Vote Leading In A Landslide In Hoboken

November 6 2024

Hoboken residents preserve rent control rules in landslide vote

January 15 2025

Councilman Rivera Drawn into Debate Over Rent-Control Status of Building

January 21 2025

The Jordan in Hoboken is subject to rent control after federal judge dismisses case

January 24 2025

The Jordan in Hoboken won't accept rent control designation, refiles in superior court

January 29 2025

★ MAJOR EVENT

★ The People's State of the City Address ★

MUST SEE EVENT

January 29 2025

★ MAJOR EVENT

Ali, McGreevey, & O'Dea participate in Jersey City's 'People's State of the City'

March 20 2025

New Efforts to End N.J. Affordable Housing Crisis

March 26 2025

Jersey City Council hears more complaints about rent control and right to counsel

March 27 2025

Jersey City Council receives updates on Portside Towers as lawsuit lingers

April 1 2025

Tenants at Portside Towers Bring Jersey City Rent Control Case to Federal Court

May 7 2025

Council considers ordinance addressing algorithmic rent price fixing in Jersey City

May 8 2025

Jersey City Council Gives Initial OK to Ban RealPage

May 21 2025

Jersey City Council Bans the Use of AI-Driven Software When Setting Rent Prices

May 22 2025

Jersey City Council Approves RealPage Ban and Increasing Benefits for Laborers

May 23 2025

Jersey City Bans Rent Algorithms After RealPage Controversy

May 24 2025

Portside Towers Residents Demand Enforcement of Rent Control Amid Escalating Rent Increases

June 2 2025

Assembly Passes Bill to Assess Allowable Rent Increases – NJ State Policy Updates

June 3 2025

Landlords Who Use Software to Raise Rents May Be Fined, Say Hoboken and Jersey City

June 26 2025

★ POLITICAL RECOGNITION

Portside Leaders Appointed Co-Chairs of JCDC Civic Engagement Subcommittee

July 11 2025

Legislators Push Back Against 'Rent-Setting' Software

July 16 2025

Jersey City Council Faces Tenant Outcry Over Rent Control Violations and Safety Neglect

July 21 2025

Hoboken could become second NJ city to bar landlords from using AI to set rent

July 22 2025

As Rents Surge in Jersey City, Mayoral Candidates Offer Diverging Plans on Affordable Housing

August 1 2025

Several Cities Block AI-Powered Rent Gouging

August 8 2025

Councilmen, Tenants call on Landlord to Address 'Neglect' and Maintenance

August 21 2025

★ MAJOR BREAKTHROUGH

Jersey City Council forms committee to investigate landlords over renter protections

August 21 2025

Council Forms Special Committee to Investigate Rent Control, Residential Building Enforcement

August 21 2025

Jersey City Launches Investigation into Portside Towers Rent Control Violations

August 21 2025

Jersey City Launches Investigation into Portside Towers Rent Control Violations

September 8 2025

Solomon: 'If Your [Jersey City] Landlord Breaks the Law, We Will Freeze Your Rent'

September 9 2025

Jersey City Council debates rent protection ordinances during caucus meeting

September 23 2025

Jersey City Council Seeks to Fine-Tune Mandatory Minimum Fines for Negligent Landlords

September 24 2025

How RealPage algorithms drive rent hikes and squeeze US families

September 25 2025

Jersey City Council passes 2 ordinances aimed at improving rent control enforcement

October 9 2025

JC Council approved mandatory minimum fines

Thank you for your help!

-Tenants of Portside Towers

PS Add comments to your donation!

A few ideas:

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Portside Towers Legal Fight for Rent Control

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