Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-26.1
Prevention of access
Operative Text
(a) In buildings where all dwelling units have been unoccupied for a period of 60 days or more, it shall be the duty of the owner to close all windows, doors and other openings with plywood or by other suitable means so that access into the buildings is prevented. (b) The provisions of (a) above shall not apply to: 1. Any building which is unoccupied because of a current alteration being performed under application and plan approved by the construction official having jurisdiction; 2. Any building which is unoccupied because of being used exclusively as a seasonal resort building; 3. Dormitories which are not normally in use during a portion of the calendar year.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-26.1 establishes that when every unit in a residential building has been vacant for 60 or more consecutive days, the building's openings—windows, doors, and similar access points—must be secured with plywood or comparable materials to prevent unauthorized entry. The rule carves out three categories of buildings that are exempt from this requirement: those undergoing approved active construction or alteration, seasonal resort buildings, and dormitories that are customarily vacant during part of the year. The provision is part of New Jersey's housing maintenance code and applies to owners of multi-unit residential buildings meeting the vacancy threshold.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-26.1, property owners whose buildings have been fully vacant for 60 days or more are generally expected to board up or otherwise secure all windows, doors, and other openings against unauthorized access. Compliant operators typically document the vacancy timeline, assess whether any of the three statutory exemptions apply—such as an active, approved alteration permit or seasonal-use classification—and arrange for physical securing of the structure before the 60-day threshold is reached or immediately upon reaching it. Maintaining records of the vacancy period, any applicable exemptions, and the securing measures taken can support a showing of compliance if questions arise.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-26.1 is primarily directed at building owners rather than occupants, but tenants in adjacent or nearby properties may have an interest in knowing that fully vacant buildings in New Jersey are legally required to be secured against access after 60 days of total vacancy. If a neighboring or formerly occupied building appears to be unsecured and does not qualify for one of the provision's exemptions, a concern can generally be reported to the local construction or housing code enforcement office with jurisdiction over the property. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid offices can help individuals understand how this provision interacts with broader housing safety obligations in their area.
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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