When The Landlord Will Not Fix It
N.J.S.A. 2A:42-88 — rent paid to a court administrator until the dwelling is fit
In New Jersey, the Legislature has authorized tenants in substandard housing to deposit their rent with a court appointed administrator until the dwelling meets minimum standards of safety and sanitation.
The grounds for the proceeding. A tenant, or a public officer, may bring the proceeding where the dwelling lacks heat, running water, light, electricity or adequate sewage disposal, or has any other condition in substantial violation of the housing or health codes or dangerous to life, health or safety.
The same proceeding is available where the owner diverts a tenant's electric, gas or water service, or uses service charged to the tenant, without consent, and has not corrected it within 30 days after notice by certified mail.
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 2A:42-88 — Tenant receivership: grounds for action
- N.J.S.A. 2A:42-85 — Tenant receivership: findings
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.