FAQs
Under the state housing codes, from October 1 to May 1, the landlord must provide enough heat so that the temperature in the apartment is at least 68 degrees from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m, the temperature in the apartment must be at least 65 degrees. N.J.A.C.
What temperature do landlords need to keep apartments at in NJ? ›
Under the NJ state housing codes, landlords must provide enough heat so that the temperature is at least 68 degrees from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and at least 65 degrees from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. from October 1 through May 1.
How do I complain about no heat in NJ? ›
During the winter months, the Division operates a 24-hour emergency "Hot Line" for residents to report complaints regarding no heat, no hot water, or other winter related emergencies. The telephone number for this program is 609-989-3560.
What is the habitability law in New Jersey? ›
Landlords have a duty under New Jersey landlord-tenant law to maintain their rental property in a safe and decent condition. This duty applies to all leases, whether written or oral. The duty to keep rental units safe and decent is called the warranty of habitability.
What does a landlord have to provide in NJ? ›
Responsibilities. Landlords must provide the tenant with habitable housing without discrimination based on their race, religion, nationality, color, etc. Additionally, landlords must comply with any repair request that the tenant makes during the lease.
What is the legal heat requirement in NJ? ›
Under the state housing codes, from October 1 to May 1, the landlord must provide enough heat so that the temperature in the apartment is at least 68 degrees from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m, the temperature in the apartment must be at least 65 degrees. N.J.A.C.
Can I withhold rent for no heat in NJ? ›
Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent in New Jersey
Tenants may withhold rent or exercise the right to "repair and deduct" if a landlord fails to take care of important repairs, such as a broken heater.
What can I do if I have no heat? ›
Make sure all of your doors and windows are tightly shut and shove towels at the bottoms of doors that do not have proper weatherstripping. Dress warmly, cover yourself with blankets, and consider wearing hats and gloves if it's too cold. Use a space heater (but don't leave it unattended) Light a fire in your fireplace.
Can you have a house without heat? ›
It is better than sleeping on the street. A home without heat will protect a person from wind, rain, snow, and weather related problems and if the home has walls, windows, and lockable doors it can protect a person from injury from other people. But a house without heat will eventually become as cold as the outside.
How do I report a landlord in NJ? ›
To file a complaint contact the Bureau of Housing Inspection at (609) 633-6227 or BHIInspections@dca.nj.gov. Multiple dwelling units are required to be inspected periodically. One and two unit buildings do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Housing Inspection.
New Jersey landlord-tenant law does not state a specific amount of time landlords have to fix issues with rental units. However, if landlords do not complete repairs in a reasonable amount of time, tenants may conduct repairs and deduct repair costs from their rent.
What would be considered uninhabitable? ›
It doesn't have to make the place unlivable and can be as simple as a missing window screen, torn carpet, defective electrical outlets or peeling paint. It can also be something unhealthy, like co*ckroaches, bedbugs, rats or mold, or dangerous like missing locks or criminal activity.
How many tenants can live in a house in NJ? ›
Every dwelling unit shall be occupied by persons composing not more than one (1) family and two (2) other persons.
What is the maximum rent increase allowed in NJ? ›
New Jersey has no statewide rent control laws in place. However, cities and counties can enforce their own rent control laws which must be followed if you own a property in one of these areas. Typically local rent control limits rent increases to between 2-6%, though it all depends on the area.
Do landlords have to clean between tenants in New Jersey? ›
Tenants have the right to safe and clean housing. As a landlord, you must maintain your rental unit and keep it fit for residential living throughout the term of the lease.
What is the legal bedroom in New Jersey? ›
Legal Requirements for a Bedroom in New Jersey
The ceiling height must be at least 7 feet. The room must have a window or door that provides a means of escape in case of emergency. There must be adequate ventilation in the room. The room must have a permanent heating source.
What temp should you leave your apartment at? ›
If your home is vacant, it's essential to keep it at at least 55°F/13°C in the winter and a maximum of 90°F/32°C in the summer. This can keep your electricity bill low without the risk of frozen pipes or moisture that leads to mould.
What temp should I keep my apartment to save money? ›
Set your thermostat to 68 degrees
68 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the Department of Energy. But if that's too specific, anywhere around 70 degrees is a good target when it gets cold, Ram Narayanamurthy, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Building Technologies Office, told USA TODAY.
What are the requirements to rent an apartment in NJ? ›
- Income must be 3 times the rent amount on a monthly basis (net)
- One month worth of paystubs required.
- A credit score of 700 and above required.
- No past due or collection accounts on screening report.
- No eviction or bankruptcy on screening report.
The New Jersey Safe Housing Act is a law that allows domestic violence victims and/or their children who are tenants to end their lease before it is over. The purpose of the law is to help victims who are tenants find safe, long-term housing. The number of this law, called the cite, is N.J.S.A 46:8-9.4.
