New Jersey landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in New Jersey have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- Not set by statute: a reasonable time after notice, then repair and deduct
- Statute
- Case law (Marini v. Ireland) and state housing regulations
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What New Jersey law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
From October 1 to May 15, rental units are kept at least 68°F during the day and 65°F overnight, and hot water between 120°F and 160°F.
DCA habitability bulletin, utility requirementsRepair and deduct, rent abatement and withholding apply to defects in vital facilities, such as broken toilets, no hot or cold water, lack of heat or electricity, or broken windows.
DCA habitability bulletin; Marini v. IrelandThe tenant must notify the landlord and allow adequate time, and the bulletin advises written notice by certified mail.
DCA habitability bulletinFor lack of heat or hot water, tenants call the local health agency, and the local board of health may order the heating equipment repaired.
DCA habitability bulletinA court held that air conditioning that was part of the original tenancy affected habitability when it failed.
Park Hill Terrace v. Glennon, per the DCA bulletin
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about New Jersey
The DCA bulletin says from October 1 to May 15 the unit is kept at least 68°F during the day and 65°F overnight, with hot water between 120°F and 160°F. Tenants report lack of heat or hot water to the local health agency.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour