This has nothing to do with whether the landlord is dead or alive. If you are in a one to four family home you can fight the increase in court but probably won't win. If you are in a larger building, your unit is rent controlled so go to rent leveling in Jersey City. (30 Montgomery St)
Ruth Bonapace

Edyouate,

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. I recommend contacting the Jersey City Tenant/Landlord Relations Department and explain to them the situation. They will be able to tell you what recourse, if any you have.

Division of Tenant Landlord Relations

30 Montgomery Street
Room 415
Jersey City, NJ 07302
Tel: (201) 547-4714
Fax: (201) 547-5803

360 Martin Luther King Drive (Satellite Office)
(Office is inside Extra Supermarkets)
Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tel: (201) 200-0677
Fax: (201) 333-8958

Charles Odei, Director

http://www.cityofjerseycity.com/hedc.aspx?id=1182

Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'll be happy to assist.

Sincerely,

--
Walter J. Burns
Realtor-Associate
Weichert Realtors
1 Newark St.
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-653-8488 Ext: 230
347-4-HUDSON Direct
347-448-3766 Direct
201-694-8946 Mobile
201-653-4154 Fax
walterburns@gmail.com http://www.livingonthehudson.com