Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-17.1
Storage of occupants' property
Operative Text
(a) Any storage area available to or used by occupants in common areas shall have each space within the area separately designated for each unit of dwelling space and a list identifying each such space shall be retained by the person in charge of the premises or, if the space is used in common by occupants of more than one unit of dwelling space, then all items so stored shall bear the identification of the occupant storing the item or items. (b) The owner shall not permit unmarked items to be stored in a common storage area and shall have a procedure for notifying each tenant, in writing, before removal and disposal of same. (c) Materials stored in such areas shall be secured against becoming sources of infestation and shall be protected against fire hazards caused by ignition from electrical or heating devices or equipment of similar possible sources of fire.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-17.1, common storage areas in residential buildings must be organized so that each storage space is clearly assigned to a specific dwelling unit, or, where storage is shared among multiple units, every stored item must be individually labeled with the occupant's identification. Owners are prohibited from allowing unlabeled items to remain in common storage and must have a written notification process in place before removing or disposing of any stored property. Additionally, all materials kept in these areas must be stored in a way that prevents pest infestation and reduces fire hazards from electrical, heating, or similar equipment.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators subject to N.J.A.C. § 5:10-17.1 generally maintain a written log or map that assigns each storage space to a specific unit, and they ensure that any items stored in shared spaces are individually labeled with the occupant's name or unit identifier. Compliant property managers also keep a documented procedure for notifying tenants in writing before removing or discarding any unmarked items found in common storage. Routine inspections of storage areas to address pest-conducive conditions and fire hazards near electrical or heating equipment are also characteristic of operations that align with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-17.1 gives occupants a right to have their storage space clearly designated and to receive written notice before any of their stored property is removed or disposed of by the owner. If a landlord removes items without following the written-notification procedure required by this provision, that failure may be relevant in a dispute over lost or discarded property. Tenants who believe this rule is being violated can document the conditions, contact the local housing code enforcement office in New Jersey, or reach out to a tenant-rights organization for general information about available options.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.