Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-13.3
Artificial lighting
Operative Text
(a) All interior common areas on the premises utilized by occupants are likely to be used by persons frequenting the premises shall be equipped with lighting so that during periods of darkness, all such parts and areas shall be sufficiently illuminated to enable persons of normal vision to traverse such areas safely and to perform therein the functions for which the parts or areas are designed. (b) Light switches in exit ways, including corridors, hallways, landings, stairways and vestibules shall be of a type that may not be operated by occupants or persons frequenting the premises. (c) Lighting fixtures, wall plates and other electrical facilities in bathrooms and toilet rooms shall be of the type or so located and maintained that there will be no danger of short circuiting from splashing of water from any facility therein. No such fixtures shall be located so as to be reached from a bathtub or shower enclosure. (d) Every habitable or occupiable room shall have light available at all times, with an illumination of at least six foot-candles. Such light shall be measured 30 inches from the floor at the center of the room. (e) Every bathroom and toilet room shall have light available at all times, with an illumination of at least three foot-candles. Such light shall be measured 30 inches from the floor at the center of the room. (f) The foregoing provisions notwithstanding, it shall not be the responsibility of a multiple dwelling owner to provide lamps or lighting fixtures in dwelling units other than kitchen and bathroom ceiling or wall fixtures or to supply replacement bulbs.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-13.3, residential properties must maintain adequate artificial lighting in all interior common areas, exit ways, and individual rooms. Common-area lighting must be sufficient for safe passage, while habitable rooms require at least six foot-candles and bathrooms at least three foot-candles, measured 30 inches from the floor. Electrical fixtures in wet areas like bathrooms must be positioned and maintained to prevent shock hazards, and light switches in corridors and stairways must be non-occupant-operated. Landlords are not required to supply bulbs or fixtures inside dwelling units, except for kitchen and bathroom ceiling or wall fixtures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners subject to N.J.A.C. § 5:10-13.3 generally ensure that all common areas, hallways, stairways, and vestibules are continuously illuminated to safe levels during darkness, with tamper-resistant switches in exit ways. Compliant operators install and maintain bathroom and kitchen ceiling or wall fixtures in each unit, while verifying that bathroom electrical fixtures meet splash-safety placement standards. Routine inspections help confirm that illumination levels in habitable rooms meet the six foot-candle threshold and bathrooms meet three foot-candles, as measured at the center of the room 30 inches from the floor.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-13.3 establishes your right to adequately lit common areas, stairways, and habitable rooms, with specific minimum illumination levels in living spaces and bathrooms. If lighting in these areas falls short, tenants may document the deficiency and report it to the local housing or code enforcement office, which can inspect and require corrections. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand available options, such as raising a code violation as part of a housing complaint.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 3, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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