Jackson Township officials say they are prepared to fight in court to preserve new protections aimed at limiting rent increases for residents living in mobile home communities, after several park owners filed a lawsuit challenging the ordinance.

The dispute centers on Ordinance 2026-06, adopted by the Jackson Township Council on March 24. The measure amended the township’s rent control regulations governing apartments and manufactured housing communities, adding stricter oversight and new limitations on rent increases within mobile home parks.

Under the ordinance, annual rent increases in manufactured housing communities are capped at 2.5%, which is one percentage point lower than the maximum increase allowed under New Jersey law. The ordinance also requires landlords to obtain approval through the township’s rent control process before implementing any increase. Unauthorized increases are considered void and may result in penalties.

Township officials said the changes were adopted in response to mounting concerns from residents — particularly seniors and those on fixed incomes — who have faced steep and unpredictable rent hikes.

“For many seniors and working families, these communities represent one of the last affordable housing options available,” Jennifer Kuhn said in a statement. “The Township will not stand by while residents are subjected to excessive rent increases that threaten their financial stability and ability to remain in their homes.”

The ordinance also requires park owners to disclose the components of rent charges, including base rent, tax surcharges, and fees, to new tenants. In addition, landlords seeking rent increases must file requests with the township’s Rent Leveling Board.

The measure includes enforcement provisions that could strip landlords of vacancy decontrol privileges for up to five years in certain cases. Residents are also given the ability to petition for rent decreases under certain circumstances.

Several manufactured housing community owners have now filed litigation seeking to overturn the ordinance. According to township officials, the plaintiffs include Southwind Village, Oak Tree, Fountainhead Properties, Inc., Land O’ Pines Mobile Home Park, Shady Lake Park II, Silver Pine Park Land LLC, and Jackson Acres LLC.

The lawsuit seeks to invalidate the ordinance, block the township from enforcing it, and recover monetary damages.

Township officials argued that the legal challenge is an attempt to eliminate local oversight and maintain the ability to impose significant rent increases on residents with limited housing alternatives.

“The Township Council enacted this ordinance because protecting residents from unreasonable housing costs is a core responsibility of local government,” Kuhn said. “We remain committed to defending these protections and standing with the residents of Jackson Township.”

Township officials said Jackson plans to vigorously defend the ordinance and continue pursuing policies focused on affordability, transparency, and housing stability.