After hours of testimony from tenants, tenant advocates and small landlords, the council defeated city ordinance 25‑1‑25 — a proposal to expand rent control to properties aggregated under multiple LLCs — by a 3‑3‑2 vote amid worries it would sweep up mom‑and‑pop owners as well as target institutional investors.

Multiple Portside Towers residents and tenant advocates testified that the landlord has repeatedly failed to provide a required resident superintendent, 24/7 uniform security and timely maintenance; they asked the council to enforce existing ordinances, collect fines, and use subpoena powers to obtain compliance.

Tenants from Portside Towers and tenant advocates used the public-comment period to press council to enforce rent-control and building code enforcement more aggressively after years of alleged unaddressed violations. Speakers asked the special investigative committee to subpoena records and prod municipal enforcement.

Council President Waterman introduced ordinance 25-107, a proposed change to Jersey City's rent-control regime. Tenants, housing advocates and tenant-rights lawyers testified at length against the measure during public comment, and the council president said a revised, enforceable draft will replace the proposal.

Mayor Bala emphasizes urgent enforcement of Jersey City's rent control laws against landlords.

Council members urged enforcement of laws to prevent tragedies and address landlord registration issues.

Jersey City tenants demand enforcement of security ordinances amid rising safety concerns and negligence.

Tenants demand urgent action from Jersey City council against persistent housing violations and landlord neglect.

Tenants demand accountability after controversial rent control reversal at 108 Sussex building.