Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-15.3
Hot water
Operative Text
(a) Each building shall be served by a hot water heater and hot water distribution system capable of operating even when the heating system itself is not in operation and of providing all units of dwelling space and facilities therein requiring hot water with water at the outlets at a minimum temperature of 120 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit at all times in accordance with anticipated need resulting from the number of fixtures and use of the building. (b) The use of sidearm water heaters shall be prohibited.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-15.3, every residential building must have a hot water heater and distribution system that operates independently of the central heating system, delivering water to all dwelling units at a temperature between 120°F and 140°F at all times. The system must be sized to meet the anticipated demand based on the number of fixtures and the building's use. Additionally, sidearm water heaters—a type of supplemental heater attached to a boiler—are expressly prohibited under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to N.J.A.C. § 5:10-15.3 generally maintain a dedicated hot water system that functions year-round, regardless of whether the building's central heating is running. Compliant operators ensure that water temperature at all outlets stays within the 120°F–140°F range and that the system's capacity is matched to the number of fixtures and the building's occupancy level. Because sidearm water heaters are prohibited under this provision, operators typically use standalone water heating equipment that meets the code's independence and capacity requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-15.3, tenants in New Jersey residential buildings have a right to hot water delivered at a temperature between 120°F and 140°F at all times, from a system that works even when the building's heat is off. If hot water is unavailable, below the minimum temperature, or the building appears to be using a prohibited sidearm heater, tenants may document the conditions and file a complaint with the local housing or code enforcement office that administers the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand the complaint and inspection process available under this provision.
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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