New Jersey Repair & Habitability Laws

New Jersey's warranty of habitability requires landlords to maintain rental units in livable condition throughout the tenancy.

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Key Rules

Repair And Deduct
Yes — available as a remedy for unaddressed habitability failures
Rent Withholding
Tenant may withhold rent or pay into court escrow for habitability violations
Notice Required
Reasonable notice to landlord before exercising repair remedies
Habitability Standards
Weatherproofing, heating, plumbing, electrical, sanitary conditions, pest control, structural safety

Applicable Statutes

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:42-85

Warranty of habitability: landlord must maintain leased premises in a habitable condition throughout the tenancy.

N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:42-87

Tenant remedies for breach of habitability: includes rent abatement, repair and deduct, and termination of the lease for serious uninhabitable conditions.

Legal Aid Resources

Read the Full Repair & Habitability Laws Guide

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