Paterson, NJ Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing agency
- Community Improvements/Housing Bureau
- Min heat standard
- 68°F, Oct 1-May 1
- Min unit size
- 150 sq ft, 1st occupant
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine, 90 days
- Appeal window
- 10 days of ruling
Summary
Paterson's Housing-Property Maintenance Code sets minimum standards for light, ventilation, heat, sanitation and fire safety in every dwelling, enforced by the Community Improvements Department through inspections and court penalties.
The purpose of this chapter is to protect the public health, safety and welfare in buildings and on the premises as hereinafter provided by:
A. Establishing minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, space heating and sanitation; for safety from fire; for space, use and location; for safe and sanitary maintenance; and for cooking equipment in all structures now in existence.
B. Fixing the responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants of all structures.
C. Providing for administration, enforcement and penalties.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4713536; v19 updated 2025-12-16; through 12-16-2025).
Full Breakdown
Chapter 271, the Housing-Property Maintenance Code, requires every structure to meet baseline standards for light, ventilation, heat, sanitation and fire safety (§ 271-2). The Coordinator of Community Improvements enforces the code through the Housing Bureau, which inspects properties and issues written notices specifying the violation and a deadline to fix it (§§ 271-10, 271-13, 271-16). Concrete standards include a 68°F daytime heat minimum from October 1 to May 1 (Ch. 267 § 267-3), a 7.5-foot minimum ceiling height and 150-square-foot minimum unit size for a first occupant (§ 271-31). Violations bring a fine up to $1,000, up to 90 days' imprisonment or community service, with each continuing day counted separately (§ 271-18).
Violations & Fines
Fine up to $1,000, imprisonment or community service up to 90 days, with each day a violation continues after notice counted as a separate offense (§ 271-18).
Frequently Asked Questions
Who enforces Paterson's rental habitability code?
What heat is a Paterson landlord required to provide?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paterson
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