N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-7.1
Equipment with smoke detectors or alarms; rules and regulations
Operative Text
Every hotel and multiple dwelling shall be equipped with smoke detectors or smoke alarms or both in conformance with rules and regulations promulgated by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. Such rules and regulations shall specify the number, location, specifications, maintenance and periodic testing of smoke detectors and smoke alarms based upon the construction, size and design of such building, and any other rules and regulations which the commissioner considers necessary for the administration of this supplemental act. L.1979, c. 419, s. 1, eff. Feb. 8, 1980.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.1, every hotel and multiple dwelling in New Jersey must be equipped with smoke detectors, smoke alarms, or both, in accordance with rules and regulations set by the Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. Those regulations govern the number, placement, specifications, maintenance, and periodic testing of the required devices, tailored to each building's construction, size, and design. The provision grants the Commissioner authority to issue any additional rules deemed necessary to administer this law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers of hotels and multiple dwellings subject to N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.1 generally ensure that their buildings are outfitted with the type, number, and placement of smoke detectors or alarms specified by the Department of Community Affairs regulations. Compliant operators maintain records of periodic testing and device maintenance as required by those regulations, and they account for the specific construction, size, and design of their building when determining compliance. Staying current with any updated rules issued by the Commissioner is a standard part of ongoing property management under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.1 establishes a right for occupants of hotels and multiple dwellings to live in buildings equipped with properly installed and maintained smoke detectors or alarms meeting state standards. Tenants who believe their building lacks required devices or that existing devices are not being properly maintained or tested may consider filing a complaint with the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, which oversees enforcement of these regulations. Tenant-rights organizations can also provide general information about available options under this provision.
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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