Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-6.3
Maintenance of dwelling units
Operative Text
Every unit of dwelling space shall be so maintained as to be fit for human use and habitation and to prevent progressive deterioration of the unit to the detriment of the health, safety and well-being of its occupants.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-6.3 establishes a baseline standard requiring that every residential dwelling unit be kept in a condition suitable for human habitation. The rule is aimed at preventing the gradual decline of a unit's condition in ways that could harm the health, safety, or well-being of the people living there. It applies continuously, meaning the obligation to maintain habitable conditions is ongoing rather than tied to a single point in time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-6.3, property owners and managers are generally expected to conduct regular inspections and address maintenance issues before they escalate into conditions that threaten occupant health or safety. Compliant operators typically respond promptly to repair requests, keep building systems functional, and document maintenance activities to demonstrate ongoing upkeep. Allowing a unit to fall into progressive deterioration—even gradually—can place an operator out of compliance with this standard.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-6.3 gives occupants a basis to expect that their dwelling unit will be maintained in a condition fit for human habitation throughout their tenancy. If conditions in a unit appear to be deteriorating in ways that affect health or safety, tenants may have options such as filing a complaint with the local municipal housing or code enforcement office, raising the violation as a defense in certain housing proceedings, or contacting a tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Keeping written records of reported issues and the landlord's responses can be relevant when pursuing any of these paths.
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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