New Brunswick, NJ Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)

Chapter 15.08 adopts the BOCA National Property Maintenance Code/2000 as the housing and property maintenance code of the city (§ 15.08.010), and § 15.08.020 amends it. The amendments create a Bureau of Housing Inspections under a Chief Housing Official.

Heat is the owner's or operator's duty in every habitable space. From September 15 through May 31 the temperature must be 68 degrees F. between 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and at least 65 degrees F. between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. The one exception covers an owner with an express contractual arrangement under which the occupant supplies heat through facilities under the occupant's exclusive control. Every habitable space in a dwelling needs at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets, every laundry area needs a grounded-type receptacle, and every bathroom needs an approved receptacle. Water heating must deliver water between 120 and 140 degrees F. at every required sink, lavatory, bathtub, shower and laundry facility.

Space standards are numeric. A dwelling unit needs a minimum gross floor area of 175 square feet for the first occupant and 125 square feet for each additional occupant. A room slept in by one person needs at least 70 square feet, and 60 square feet per occupant when more than one person sleeps there. Habitable spaces need a clear ceiling height of seven feet six inches. Basement or cellar units cannot be used for living or sleeping unless the floors and walls are watertight and each unit has two means of egress leading directly outdoors.

Chapter 15.40 layers rental registration on top. Every rental unit is registered annually with the rent leveling office on or before April 1, no unit is rented unless registered and inspected, and a satisfactory inspection earns a certificate valid for three years (§§ 15.40.030 and 15.40.060).