I live in W Berlin NJ and our landlord just increased our rent by 30%. Can he do this. We live in a small , carriage house that has never been modernized. Original everything. We are currently paying $616.00 per month, and the increase will bring us to 800 a month. My significant other is disabled. Thank you

This site: http://www.nj.gov/dca/divisions/codes/publications/pdf_lti/rnt_incrse_bultin.pdf explains everything that you need to know about rent increases in NJ.

That's a very good link Lisa gave you. Whether the landlord can do it depends on several pieces of info that you did not provide. For example, how long have you lived there? How long have you paid that rental? Are you under a lease that has not yet expired or are you month to month? What is the effective date of the increase? When did the landlord give you notice and how was this notice given.

The fact that the building hasn't been modernized is immaterial if everything works. While 30% may seen large, it may not be unconscionable under the law. To fight the increase you will need to get comparable rentals in your area to see how it compares.

Also your significant other's disability will have no bearing either.