Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-7.3
Exterior surfaces
Operative Text
(a) The exterior of every structure or accessory structure, fence or other improvement on the premises shall be kept in good repair and all exposed surfaces thereof subject to deterioration shall be protected against weathering or deterioration by a protective coating appropriate for the particular material involved as needed. (b) All exterior windows and window frames shall be painted with at least one coat of suitable exterior paint or other preservative as needed except where constructed of an approved atmospheric corrosion-resistant metal or other equivalent material. (c) The exterior surfaces shall be maintained to eliminate conditions reflective of deterioration or inadequate maintenance, such as broken glass, loose shingles, crumbling stone or brick or excessive peeling of paint. (d) The exterior of the building shall be free of loose material that may create a hazard by falling on persons utilizing the premises. (e) Exterior surfaces of multiple dwellings that have not been certified as lead-free in accordance with N.J.A.C. 5:17 shall be maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of N.J.A.C. 5:10-6.6.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-7.3 establishes standards for the upkeep of exterior surfaces on residential structures and their accessory buildings, fences, and other improvements. All exposed surfaces must be protected against weathering through appropriate coatings, windows must be painted or preserved, and conditions like broken glass, loose shingles, crumbling masonry, or peeling paint must be corrected. Additionally, any loose material that could fall and injure people must be removed, and buildings not certified as lead-free must follow the lead-safety maintenance rules cross-referenced in the code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-7.3, compliant property operators routinely inspect all exterior surfaces — including fences, accessory structures, and window frames — and apply weatherproofing or preservative coatings as conditions require. Operators also address visible deterioration such as peeling paint, crumbling masonry, or broken glass promptly, and ensure no loose materials are left in positions where they could fall on occupants or visitors. For any multiple dwelling not certified as lead-free under N.J.A.C. 5:17, operators follow the additional lead-safe maintenance requirements referenced in N.J.A.C. 5:10-6.6.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-7.3 gives tenants a basis to expect that the exterior of their building — including windows, walls, and accessory structures — is kept weatherproofed, structurally sound, and free of hazardous loose materials. If conditions such as crumbling masonry, broken glass, severely peeling paint, or falling debris are present, tenants may raise these as potential code violations with their local housing or code enforcement office. Tenants living in buildings not certified as lead-free may also have additional protections under the lead-safety provisions cross-referenced in this section, and tenant-rights organizations can help explain available complaint and enforcement 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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.