Cal. Civ. Code § 5:28-1.6
Lighting
Operative Text
(a) Every habitable room shall have at least one window or skylight facing directly to the outdoors. The minimum total window or skylight area measured between stops, for every habitable room shall be eight percent of the floor area of such room. Whenever walls or other portions of structures face a window of any habitable room and are located less than three feet from the window and extended to a level above that of the ceiling of the room, such a window shall not be included in calculating the required minimal total window area. (b) Every dwelling shall be provided with electric service. (c) Every habitable room shall contain at least two separate wall type electric convenience outlets, or one such convenience outlet and one ceiling or wall type electric light fixture. Every such outlet and fixture shall be maintained in good and safe condition, and shall be connected to the source of electric power. No temporary wiring shall be used except extension cords which run directly from portable electric fixtures to convenience outlets, and which do not lie under rugs or other floor coverings nor extend through doorways, transoms, or other openings through structural elements. (d) Every portion of each staircase, hall, cellar, basement landing furnace room, utility room, and all similar non-habitable space located in a dwelling shall have either natural or artificial light available at all times, with an illumination of at least two lumens per square foot (two foot-candles) in the darkest portions. (e) Every portion of any interior or exterior passageway or staircase common to two or more families in a dwelling shall be illuminated naturally or artificially at all times with an illumination of at least two lumens per square foot (2 foot-candles) in the darkest portion of the normally traveled stairs and passageways. In dwellings comprising two dwelling units such illumination shall not be required at all times if separate switches, convenient and readily accessible to each dwelling unit, are provided for the control of such artificial light by the occupants thereof. (f) Every bathroom and water closet compartment shall have either natural or artificial light available at all times, with an illumination of at least three lumens per square foot (three foot-candles). Such light shall be measured 36 inches from the floor at the center of the room. Artificial lighting shall be controlled by a wall switch so located as to avoid danger of electrical hazards.
N.J.A.C. § 5:28-1.6 establishes minimum lighting standards for residential dwellings in New Jersey. Every habitable room must have a window or skylight covering at least eight percent of the floor area that opens directly to the outdoors, and must contain at least two electrical outlets or one outlet plus one light fixture in good working order. Common areas, stairways, basements, bathrooms, and shared passageways must meet specific illumination thresholds measured in foot-candles, and no temporary wiring beyond basic extension cords is permitted in any dwelling.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.A.C. § 5:28-1.6, compliant property operators ensure that every habitable room has qualifying window or skylight area equal to at least eight percent of the room's floor area, with windows that open directly to the outdoors rather than facing obstructing structures within three feet. Operators also maintain at least two working electrical outlets—or one outlet and one ceiling or wall fixture—in each habitable room, and keep all wiring free of extension cords run under rugs or through structural openings. Common stairways, hallways, basements, and bathrooms must be maintained at the illumination levels specified in the provision, with bathroom lighting controlled by a properly placed wall switch.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.A.C. § 5:28-1.6 gives tenants the right to habitable rooms with adequate natural light and properly maintained electrical outlets or fixtures, as well as safely illuminated common areas, stairways, and bathrooms. If a dwelling falls short of these standards—such as having insufficient window area, faulty outlets, or poorly lit shared hallways—tenants may report conditions to the local housing or code enforcement office, which can inspect and require corrections. Tenant-rights organizations in New Jersey can help residents understand how to document deficiencies and what remedies may be available under the state's housing maintenance code.
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 4, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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