Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-14.1
Standard of performance
Operative Text
Every unit of dwelling space shall contain facilities to provide heat sufficient to maintain a minimum inside temperature of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in all habitable rooms, measured at least one foot away from any surface at the coldest portion of the space subject to regular use by occupants of any such room when the outside temperature is at design winter conditions. This provision shall not apply to units of dwelling space which are neither occupied nor intended to be occupied between October 1 and the next succeeding May 15.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-14.1, every occupied dwelling unit must be equipped with heating facilities capable of maintaining an interior temperature of at least 68°F in all habitable rooms during winter design conditions. The temperature is measured at least one foot from any surface, at the coldest point in areas regularly used by occupants. This heating standard applies throughout the period from October 1 through May 15, but does not extend to units that are vacant and not intended to be occupied during that period.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to N.J.A.C. § 5:10-14.1 generally ensure that heating systems in occupied units are capable of reaching and sustaining 68°F in all habitable rooms under winter design conditions. Compliant operators typically inspect and service heating equipment before the October 1 start of the heating season and verify that the coldest regularly used areas of each unit meet the temperature threshold. Units that will remain vacant and unoccupied throughout the entire October 1–May 15 period fall outside the scope of this provision, but operators should document that status clearly.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-14.1 establishes a right for occupants of dwelling units to have heat sufficient to maintain at least 68°F in all habitable rooms from October 1 through May 15. If a unit's heating system fails to meet this standard, tenants may consider documenting the conditions—such as recording indoor temperatures at least one foot from surfaces in the coldest regularly used areas—and reporting the issue to the local municipal housing or code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in New Jersey can provide general information about available remedies, which may include formal complaints or raising the violation in other proceedings.
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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