N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-25
Powers and duties of local boards of health not impaired
Operative Text
(a) This act is not intended, and nothing in this act shall be construed, to abrogate or impair the powers and duties of local boards of health, of the Department of Health under chapter 177 of the laws of 1947. (b) This act is not intended, and nothing in this act shall be construed, to preclude the right of any municipality to adopt and enforce ordinances or regulations more restrictive than this act or any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder. L.1967, c. 76, s. 25, eff. May 31, 1967.
Section 55:13A-25 of New Jersey's Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law establishes that the state's hotel and multiple dwelling regulations operate as a floor, not a ceiling, for housing standards. Local boards of health and the Department of Health retain their independent authority under prior law, and municipalities are expressly permitted to adopt and enforce housing ordinances or regulations that are stricter than the state act. In other words, this provision prevents the state law from being used to override more protective local rules.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-25, property owners and managers operating in New Jersey must recognize that compliance with state hotel and multiple dwelling standards does not automatically satisfy all local obligations. A compliant operator typically reviews both state requirements and any municipal ordinances or local board of health regulations that may impose additional or stricter duties. Because local rules can lawfully exceed state minimums, operators generally maintain awareness of the specific requirements in each municipality where they hold rental properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 55:13A-25 means that tenants in New Jersey may have protections beyond what the state Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law provides, depending on where they live. Local boards of health and municipal ordinances can set stricter standards for housing conditions, giving tenants additional grounds to raise complaints or assert violations at the local level. Tenants who believe their housing conditions fall short of applicable standards may consider contacting their local board of health, reviewing municipal housing ordinances, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization to understand what local protections may apply.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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