Jersey City, NJ Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

§ 254-27 of Chapter 254 sets Jersey City's core habitability heat standard for every dwelling unit. , measured 30 inches above the floor at the center of the room; outside that season, units must still be kept at 55°F whenever it's below 40°F outside. Where an owner or manager controls the building's furnace or boiler, § 254-27A(1)(c) deems them contractually bound to supply heat on that schedule absent a written agreement otherwise. Heating equipment in properties of four units or more must be inspected biennially by a licensed plumber, licensed heating contractor, or a certified gas-utility employee, checking for gas leaks, defective equipment and unsafe conditions, with inspection records kept until the next cycle and shown to a city inspector on demand; equipment found unsafe gets a red warning tag barring use until repaired.

Portable space heaters burning flame fuel are banned outright, unvented gas/liquid/solid-fuel space heaters are banned for sale and use, and portable electric heaters are barred from bathrooms and water closet compartments. Nonresidential buildings get a parallel but separate standard: 70°F in occupiable rooms whenever it's at or above 0°F outside, with an exemption where the nature of the business makes 70°F infeasible. Violations are prosecuted by summons in Municipal Court under the general penalty at Chapter 1, § 1-25.