Newark NJ renter question

[Chris Mandle]

Throwing this out there to see any ideas...I purchased a 3 plex in Newark nj in January 2020. All three units have tenants, no leases. Rent is significantly under market value. Finally hired a PM in August. We decided that we should increase rent. Tenants are not having it and were very upset by this. They did not pay September rent. My hands are tied because we can’t evict, and there is no way of increasing rent. What can I do? 

The only option I see is to try to ease some of the tension, get them back to paying the original amount until courts open again where eviction is back on table. 

Cash for keys is not a viable option for multiple reasons. Maybe in a few months, but not right now. 

Newark seems to have rent controlled buildings- not 100% sure if mine is. 

Any suggestions.