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When is heat season in New Jersey, and what must landlords provide?
Short answer
Heat season October 1 - May 15 (buildings with 3+ units): 68°F 6 a.m.-11 p.m., 65°F overnight
Season: Every year from October 1 through May 15
From October 1 to May 15, keep every unit and habitable room at least 68°F from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and at least 65°F from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and supply the fuel and keep the heating system working.
"From October 1 of each year to the next succeeding ... May 15*, every unit of dwelling space and every habitable room therein shall be maintained at a temperature of at least" nj.gov
"68 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M. and at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M." nj.gov
Heat season October 1 - May 15 (buildings with 3+ units): 68°F 6 a.m.-11 p.m., 65°F overnight Verified
Deadline: Every year from October 1 through May 15
From October 1 to May 15, keep every unit and habitable room at least 68°F from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and at least 65°F from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., and supply the fuel and keep the heating system working.
Who it covers: Hotel and Multiple Dwelling regulations (N.J.A.C. 5:10-14.4) cover buildings with three or more units. For one- and two-unit buildings, local ordinances may apply (contact the municipal building or health office). The owner need not supply fuel where the tenant agrees in writing to supply heat from separately metered equipment serving only that unit.
"From October 1 of each year to the next succeeding ... May 15*, every unit of dwelling space and every habitable room therein shall be maintained at a temperature of at least" nj.gov
"68 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 11:00 P.M. and at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 11:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M." nj.gov
"The Hotel and Multiple Dwelling regulations establish heating standards for buildings with three (3) or more units." nj.gov
Notes: N.J.A.C. 5:10-14.4 as amended by R.2023 d.089 (55 N.J.R. 8(1)), effective August 7, 2023; the quoted text is the DCA adoption notice, which shows the end date changed from the proposed June 1 to May 15. The DCA Truth in Renting guide still says October 1 to May 1 (outdated); this rule follows the 2023 adoption.
Last verified 2026-10-20 · Confidence: medium · Status: verified · Report a correction