habitability protected.
Landlords must maintain habitable premises. Tenants may repair and deduct or withhold rent (Marini v. Ireland) after notice and documented defects.
What this means for you: New Jersey case law strongly supports repair-and-deduct and rent abatement for habitability defects.
Your next step: Send written notice and document defects; consult legal aid before withholding.
Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:42-85 et seq.; Marini v. Ireland. Reviewed 2026-06-16 (needs local verification).
More New Jersey rights: New Jersey security deposit · New Jersey eviction · New Jersey entry notice · New Jersey rent increase.
Repairs in nearby states: New York (habitability protected) · Pennsylvania (habitability protected) · Delaware (habitability protected).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and vary by locality; consult a licensed attorney or your local housing authority.
Updated July 2026