New Jersey Rent withholding / escrow

Can a tenant withhold rent for repairs in New Jersey?

Yes, by statute. A tenant may bring a court proceeding to deposit rent with a court-appointed administrator when the dwelling lacks heat, running water, light, electricity or adequate sewage disposal, or has other conditions substantially violating housing or health codes (N.J.S.A. 2A:42-88). Case law (Berzito v. Gambino, 63 N.J. 460 (1973) (case law, not fetched)) also allows rent abatement for habitability defects.

Verified Source: N.J.S.A. 2A:42-85 et seq. (incl. 2A:42-88) · last checked 2026-10-23