Establishes Statewide limitation on rent increases.

This bill would limit annual rent increases for most New Jersey rental units to 5% plus the local cost-of-living change (capped at 10% total). It directly affects landlords and tenants in standard residential properties across the state, excluding new constructions (within 15 years), affordable housing units, dormitories, and certain single-family homes. Key exemptions include properties with deed restrictions for low-income housing, university dorms, and duplexes where the landlord lives in one unit. The law would require landlords to comply with this cap for all rent increases after the initial lease, with tenants able to use violations as a defense in eviction cases.