Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-7.4
Leakage, drafts and infestation
Operative Text
All exterior walls, roofs, windows, window frames, doors, door frames, skylights, foundations and other parts of the structure shall be maintained as to keep water from entering the structure, to prevent excessive drafts or heat loss during cold or inclement weather and to provide a barrier against infestation. Damaged or badly worn material shall be repaired or replaced, and places showing signs of rot, leakage, deterioration or corrosion shall be treated or restored to prevent weathering or seepage.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-7.4 establishes that the exterior envelope of a residential structure—including walls, roofs, windows, doors, skylights, and foundations—must be kept in a condition that blocks water intrusion, prevents excessive heat loss or drafts, and serves as a barrier against pest infestation. Any materials that are damaged, worn, rotting, leaking, deteriorating, or corroding must be repaired, replaced, or treated to stop further weathering or seepage. The rule applies to the structure as a whole and sets a continuous maintenance standard rather than a one-time requirement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-7.4, compliant property operators routinely inspect all exterior components—walls, roofs, windows and their frames, doors and their frames, skylights, and foundations—for signs of water intrusion, rot, corrosion, or pest entry points. When deterioration is found, operators generally arrange timely repair or replacement of the affected materials rather than allowing conditions to worsen. Keeping records of inspections and completed repairs can help demonstrate ongoing compliance with this provision's continuous maintenance 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. § 5:10-7.4 gives tenants the right to a dwelling whose exterior structure is maintained to keep out water, drafts, and pests. If a tenant observes leaks, drafts, rot, or signs of infestation linked to deteriorating exterior components, they may report the condition to their local municipal housing or code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and cite violations of this provision. Tenants may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service to understand how a documented violation under this section could be relevant to their situation.
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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