Renters in Asbury Park are being reminded by the city that they can get help if they feel the rent is out of control or if their landlord is failing to take care of their home.

All they need to do is contact the Rent Leveling Board for help in situations where the standard of service isn’t being met. This can include a lack of hot water or heat or excessively high rent hikes.

The Rent Leveling Board will be hearing five cases this month, the first of which concerns a renter dealing with a constant lack of hot water.

If that hardship is confirmed following an investigation by the Rent Leveling Board, a landlord may be forced to provide a tenant with a rental credit.

The Rent Leveling Board is also designed to keep rent stable and affordable, with allowable increases at rent-controlled buildings of 3.5%.

“We’re hearing a lot about affordability lately. Here in Asbury Park, as long as you’re locked into a rate of 3.5%, it allows tenants to better prepare for your budgets as well as prepare for those increases,” said Elton Armady, the board's director.

In Asbury Park, rent-controlled buildings are those with three or more units.

Renters say the average monthly cost for a one-bedroom apartment is between $2,200 to $2,500. Two bedrooms can start at $3,000.