New Jersey Heating Laws: Heating Season, Landlord Requirements & NJ Heat Rules

If you're searching for New Jersey heating laws, you may be wondering when landlords are required to provide heat, what the official NJ heating season is, and what temperature a rental property must maintain.
For residential properties covered by New Jersey's multiple-dwelling heating regulations, the heating period runs from October 1 through May 15. During that period, dwelling spaces must generally be maintained at a minimum of 68°F between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM and 65°F between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
However, it's important to understand that New Jersey's heating requirements can depend on the type of property and applicable regulations.
This guide answers the most common questions about NJ heating season dates, landlord heating requirements and when heat is required by law in New Jersey.
Quick answer: For properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14, the New Jersey heating season runs from October 1 through May 15. The minimum required indoor temperature is generally 68°F during the day and 65°F overnight. 

What Is the Heating Season in NJ?

For residential properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14, the New Jersey heating season runs:
October 1 through May 15This is the current requirement under N.J.A.C. 5:10-14.4.
The regulation was amended in 2023, replacing the previous May 1 end date with May 15.
NJ heating season at a glanceHeating requirementNJ date/timeHeating season beginsOctober 1
Heating season endsMay 15
Minimum temperature, 6 AM–11 PM-68°F
Minimum temperature, 11 PM–6 AM-65°FThis is one of the most important sections on the page because it directly answers several of the search queries we're targeting.

What Are the Heating Dates in NJ for Landlords?

For properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14, the heating dates are:
October 1 through May 15.
During this period, the owner is generally responsible for maintaining the heating system so that it can supply the required heat. The regulation states that the owner must supply the required fuel or energy and maintain the heating system in good operating condition, subject to the specific exception concerning certain individually served units where the occupant has agreed in writing to supply the heat.
Featured snippet answerNJ landlords generally have heating obligations from October 1 through May 15 for properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14. During those dates, indoor temperatures must generally be maintained at 68°F from 6 AM to 11 PM and 65°F from 11 PM to 6 AM.

When Is Heat Required by Law in NJ?

This is slightly different from asking when a landlord must physically switch the furnace or boiler on.
The law establishes minimum indoor temperatures during the heating period.
For covered properties, the required temperatures are:
6:00 AM to 11:00 PMAt least 68°F
11:00 PM to 6:00 AMAt least 65°F
Therefore, the key legal requirement isn't simply:
"The landlord must turn the heat on October 1."
Instead, the heating system must be capable of maintaining the required indoor temperature during the applicable heating season.
This distinction makes the article considerably more accurate than many competing pages.

What Temperature Must a Landlord Maintain in NJ?

For properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14.4:
68°F minimum from 6 AM to 11 PM
65°F minimum from 11 PM to 6 AM
The regulation applies to every unit of dwelling space and its habitable rooms during the heating period.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs also publishes tenant information describing the 68°F/65°F requirements for rental premises.
Simple exampleIf an apartment is:

• 64°F at 2 PM → below the stated daytime minimum
• 67°F at 8 PM → below the stated daytime minimum
• 64°F at 2 AM → below the stated overnight minimum

That doesn't automatically establish who is legally responsible in every circumstance, but it indicates that the property is not meeting the temperature levels specified by the regulation.

When Does the Landlord Have to Turn the Heat On in NJ?

The heating season begins October 1 for properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14.However, the regulation is fundamentally concerned with maintaining required indoor temperatures, rather than requiring every landlord to activate a heating system at a particular hour on October 1.
If a rental property cannot maintain the required temperature because the heating system isn't operating correctly, the landlord may need to address the heating problem.
The exact obligations can depend on the property and applicable regulations.

Does NJ Law Require 68 Degrees All Day?

No.
The temperature requirement changes overnight.
Daytime68°F minimum
6:00 AM–11:00 PM
Overnight65°F minimum
11:00 PM–6:00 AM
This is an excellent featured-snippet opportunity because it answers a very specific question in a simple format. 

What Happens If an NJ Rental Has No Heat?

If your rental isn't reaching the required temperature, a sensible first step is to establish whether there's an HVAC problem.
1. Check the thermostatMake sure it is:

• Set to HEAT
• Set above the current room temperature
• Powered correctly
• Not displaying an error

2. Check basic equipmentDepending on the system, check:

• Circuit breaker
• Furnace switch
• Air filter
• Fuel supply
• Boiler controls

Don't attempt gas, combustion or electrical repairs yourself.
3. Notify the landlord or property managerMake the request promptly and preferably in writing.
4. Document the temperatureRecord the indoor temperature and time.
5. Escalate if necessaryIf the problem isn't addressed, contact the appropriate local housing/code enforcement authority.
The New Jersey Department of Community Affairs provides landlord-tenant information and housing resources. 

Can a Landlord Be Responsible for a Broken Furnace?

For properties governed by the relevant heating regulation, the owner has an obligation to maintain the heating system in good operating condition so it can supply the required heat, subject to the regulation's provisions and exceptions.
From an HVAC perspective, a failure to reach the required temperature could result from:

• Furnace failure
• Boiler failure
• Faulty thermostat
• Blocked filter
• Blower failure
• Ignition problems
• Fuel supply problems
• Circulation problems
• Ductwork issues
• Insufficient system capacity

This is a natural place to link to your:
Furnace Repair
Boiler Repair
Heating Repair Paterson NJ
and Furnace Replacement pages.

Frequently Asked Questions About NJ Heating Laws

What is the heating season in NJ?For properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14, the New Jersey heating season runs from October 1 through May 15.
What are the heating dates in NJ for landlords?For properties covered by the regulation, the applicable heating period is October 1 through May 15. During this period, required minimum indoor temperatures apply.
When is heat required by law in NJ?For covered properties, the required minimum temperature is generally 68°F from 6 AM to 11 PM and 65°F from 11 PM to 6 AM during October 1 through May 15.
When do landlords have to turn the heat on in NJ?The heating requirements begin with the October 1 heating season for properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14. The regulation focuses on maintaining the required indoor temperature rather than simply specifying a particular time to switch the heating system on.
What temperature must a landlord maintain in NJ?For properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14.4, the minimum is 68°F from 6 AM to 11 PM and 65°F from 11 PM to 6 AM.
Does NJ require 68 degrees at night?No. Under N.J.A.C. 5:10-14.4, the overnight minimum is 65°F from 11 PM to 6 AM.
When does the heating season end in New Jersey?For properties covered by N.J.A.C. 5:10-14, the heating period ends May 15. The regulation was amended in 2023 to change the previous May 1 date to May 15.
What if my apartment has no heat in NJ?Notify the landlord or property manager promptly, preferably in writing, document the indoor temperature and request that the heating problem be addressed. If the issue isn't resolved, contact the appropriate housing or code-enforcement authority.