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

The Property Maintenance Code of the City of Plainfield is adopted by § 6:2-1 and kept on file with the City Clerk and with the Chief Building and Housing Inspector (§ 6:2-4). The Division of Building and Construction enforces it, exercising the powers of the Public Officer (§ 2:10-5). The heating standard is in § 6:2-6(b), which amends Section 2.22 of the Code.

From October 1 to the next May 1, the interior of every dwelling unit or rooming unit, bathroom and water closet compartment must be at least 68° F. whenever the outside temperature is below 55° F. during the daytime hours from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. At other times the interior must be at least 65° F. whenever it is below 40° F. outside. From May 1 to October 1 the daytime 68° F. standard still applies below 55° F. outside, with the same 65° F. floor below 40° F. at other times. The owner is not responsible for heat loss caused by the occupant leaving windows or doors open to the exterior.

The same section sets the garbage rule for occupied buildings. Section 2.14 makes the owner or operator responsible for removing garbage from the premises no less than twice weekly. Fines for failing to remove trash and debris, cut the lawn, improper garbage storage, or missing the twice-weekly garbage pickup start at $150, and an abandoned or disabled vehicle starts at $200.

Process protections are written in. For Sections 2.01, 2.02, 2.03, 2.13 and 2.14, the Public Officer serves a summons and complaint on the responsible person with not less than five working days to correct. Other notices allow a reasonable period not to exceed 30 days and become an order of the Public Officer in 10 days unless a hearing is requested. Hearings are at the Plainfield Municipal Court, 325 Watchung Avenue, and the owner must tell the Court Administrator within five days of the hearing date that they will contest. Fines are payable to the Division of Community Development, 515 Watchung Avenue.