Cal. Civ. Code § 5:10-8.2
Interior surfaces
Operative Text
(a) All floors, walls, ceilings and other surfaces shall be kept in good repair, that is, free from cracks, breaks, split or splintering boards or woodwork, loose plaster, flaking or peeling paint or other materials. Loose or defective sections shall be removed and replaced so that the joint between the repair and the sound material is made flush and smooth. (b) Floors, walls, ceilings and other exposed surfaces shall be kept clean, free from visible foreign matter, sanitary and well-maintained at all times. If necessary to accomplish the foregoing, these surfaces shall be kept painted, whitewashed, papered, covered or treated with sealing materials or other protective coatings as needed. (c) Interior walls, ceilings and other exposed surfaces in units of dwelling space shall be kept smooth, clean, free of flaking, loose or peeling paint, plaster or paper and capable of being maintained free of visible foreign matter and of vermin, and in a sanitary condition. If and when necessary to accomplish the foregoing or any part thereof, such interior surfaces shall be spackled, painted, papered or otherwise provided with a protective coating appropriate for the surface material and this shall be done at least once every three years unless it is clearly unnecessary. Painting or other provision of a protective coating shall be the responsibility of the occupant and not of the owner when required more frequently than once every three years as a result of the acts or omissions of the occupant, a member of his family or household or his guest. (d) Owners shall maintain records indicating the date on which any dwelling unit or part thereof was painted or otherwise provided with a protective coating for six years. Said records shall also indicate the name and address of the person who did the work, the nature of the work done and the cost. Said records shall be made available upon request to the Bureau or to any inspector performing an inspection of the premises on behalf of the Bureau. (e) Except where housekeeping services are provided, normal housekeeping as required for the maintenance of cleanliness and sanitation within individual units of dwelling space of multiple dwellings shall be the responsibility of the occupants and shall not, unless a hazard to the health, safety or welfare of persons other than the occupants of the dwelling unit is thereby created, be the responsibility of the owner. (f) Interior 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. § 5:10-8.2 establishes standards for the condition and upkeep of interior surfaces in multiple dwellings in New Jersey. All floors, walls, and ceilings must be kept structurally sound, clean, and free from defects such as cracks, peeling paint, or loose plaster. Protective coatings like paint must be applied at least once every three years unless clearly unnecessary, and buildings not certified as lead-free must also comply with the lead-related maintenance rules under N.J.A.C. 5:10-6.6.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:10-8.2, property owners of multiple dwellings are generally expected to ensure that all interior surfaces remain structurally sound, clean, and properly coated or painted at least once every three years. Compliant operators maintain records for six years documenting the date, nature, cost, and contractor information for any painting or protective coating work, and make those records available to the Bureau upon request. Owners should also verify whether their units require lead-safe maintenance practices under N.J.A.C. 5:10-6.6 if the property has not been certified as lead-free.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:10-8.2 gives tenants a basis to raise concerns when interior surfaces in their dwelling unit are cracked, peeling, or otherwise deteriorating in ways the owner is responsible for correcting. While routine housekeeping within individual units is generally the occupant's responsibility, structural repairs and periodic repainting (at least every three years) typically fall to the owner unless the damage results from the occupant's own actions. Tenants who believe their unit falls short of these standards may consider documenting the conditions, contacting their local housing inspection authority, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on 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.
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