New Jersey Heating Season Mandates Began
Landlords in multi-unit properties must now provide regulated indoor temperatures for all tenants.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Apartments
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New Jersey officially entered its mandatory heating season on October 1, requiring property owners of buildings with at least three units to maintain specific indoor temperatures. The state-wide regulation remains in effect through May 15 to ensure all rental units stay habitable during colder months.
Why it matters
This seasonal mandate establishes a clear legal benchmark for habitability, protecting tenants from unsafe living conditions as temperatures drop. By standardizing heat requirements across the state, the policy provides a framework for resolving disputes between property owners and residents.
Landlords in multiple dwellings of at least three units must maintain indoor heat at 68 degrees from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and at least 65 degrees overnight. Tenants can contact the Bureau of Housing Inspection at 609-633-6227 to report non-compliance.
The players
Bureau of Housing Inspection
This state agency oversees compliance with New Jersey housing codes and manages the enforcement of habitability standards.
The details
Property owners are generally responsible for fuel costs unless a written agreement states otherwise, and tenants are encouraged to document temperature issues with photos and logs. Reports of insufficient heat can be directed to the Bureau of Housing Inspection or local municipal offices.
Timeline
The heating season began on October 1.
The requirements remain in effect until May 15.
Roadmap
This mandate aligns with the New Jersey multiple dwellings heating law, which codifies seasonal temperature requirements for residential properties. The regulation mirrors broader efforts to prioritize tenant safety by creating enforceable standards that prevent health risks associated with cold housing.
Residents should check their unit temperatures and keep documentation if their home falls below the 65 or 68-degree thresholds. Understanding these rules helps tenants exercise their rights to habitable living conditions throughout the winter months.
The takeaway
Tenants should proactively monitor their indoor temperature during the seasonal transition to ensure their property remains compliant. Keeping a timestamped photo log of thermostat readings is the most effective way to build a case if heat levels drop below the state-mandated minimums.
Further reading
Learn more about local standards in our New Jersey Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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Do you believe local regulations are sufficient to ensure your rental unit remains warm enough?
