New Jersey rental repairs

Do this today

• Put the repair request in writing. Date it. Keep a copy.
• Photograph the condition, including anything that is unsafe — no heat, no water, mold, pests, broken locks.
• Do not withhold rent until you have confirmed that New Jersey allows a process for it.
• Ask the city housing or health department whether they take condition complaints.

What should I put in writing?

What is broken, since when, how it affects living in the unit, and that you are asking for repair. Send it in a way you can prove. New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act and tenancy statutes may require written notice before other remedies exist. A text can help; a dated letter you can produce later is stronger.

Can I withhold rent in ${n}?

Sometimes a state has a lawful process for withholding, escrow, or repair-and-deduct. Sometimes skipping rent is itself grounds for eviction. That split is why this site will not tell you to withhold. Confirm New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act and tenancy statutes or ask legal aid in New Jersey first.

The New Jersey chapter

New Jersey Anti-Eviction Act and tenancy statutes (N.J. Stat. §§ 2A:18-61.1 to 2A:18-61.67; 46:8-1 to 46:8-50) is the starting point. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.

New Jersey state law is the floor. Cities may add rent boards, just-cause rules, or extra protected classes. Confirm locally.

Official sources

Common questions

People also ask

• Can I stop paying rent until it is fixed?
• Does the request have to be in writing?
• What if my landlord says the damage is my fault?
• Can I call the city if I am worried about retaliation?
• How long does a landlord have to make a repair?
• Is the repair process the same in every state?