State Specific Question About: NEW JERSEY (NJ)

Would be best for the LL not to pay for utilities but put that responsibility on the tenant?

That said, if a LL does pay the utilities and it is calculated in the rent, or it is billed separate to the tenant, would it not then be up to the tenant to determine when to cut the heat off?

Vincent,

Indiana Health Code also requires the LL provide heat at a minimum temp, I think 68 degrees. Or equipment that can generate that heat if the res pays utils.

Best practice: find a way to separate the utils and have the res pay them directly. You will be AMAZED how MUCH less they use when THEY pay the bill!

Vincent, you should check your local codes to determine what your state requires. In MA it's May 31 & a quick search for NJ show that it's May 15.

For MA - 410.180 Temperature requirements

Regulation requires temperatures of at least 64 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 68 degrees during the day from September 15 to May 31. Temperatures should not exceed 78 degrees. A Board of Health may alter the heating season to start September 30 and end May 15, so check the applicable municipality website for notice.

For NJ - Utility requirements

From October 1st to May 15th, the rental premises shall be maintained at a temperature of at

least 68 degrees Fahrenheit between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m.; between the hours

of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. the rental premises shall be maintained at a temperature of at least

65 degrees Fahrenheit. The hot water temperature should be maintained at a minimum of 120 degrees and a maximum of a 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Utility companies are prohibited from shutting off utilities in tenant-occupied buildings whose owners have failed to make payments, without first notifying the tenant of the impending disconnection. Before disconnecting utility services, the utility company must give the tenant an