N.J. Stat. Ann. § 2A:18-51 et seq. § 2A:18-61.60
Tenants' organization permitted to accept billing for utility
Operative Text
1. Whenever an electric, gas, water or sewer public utility has provided written notice to tenants residing in rental premises of a proposed discontinuance of service and the tenants so notified have indicated a desire to continue service, but the utility has determined that it would not be feasible to bill each tenant individually for the service, the utility shall permit a tenants' organization representing each tenant of the rental premises to accept billing for the utility including the periodic billing for current charges, and a statement of any arrearage which is unpaid by the landlord for service previously supplied by the utility, and shall continue providing the service to the premises provided that payment is received. L.2000,c.113,s.1.
Under N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.60, when a public utility (electric, gas, water, or sewer) has notified tenants of a planned service discontinuance and individual billing is not feasible, the utility must allow a tenants' organization to step in and accept billing on behalf of all residents. The billing arrangement includes both ongoing charges and any unpaid arrearages owed by the landlord. Service must continue as long as payments are being received under this arrangement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.60 comes into play when a landlord's unpaid utility bills trigger a discontinuance notice to tenants. Compliant property operators generally stay current on utility accounts to avoid the circumstances that activate this provision, since outstanding arrearages become visible to the tenants' organization through the billing statement. Operators who find themselves in arrears should be aware that the unpaid balance will be disclosed as part of any billing transferred to a tenants' organization.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.60 gives tenants a collective mechanism to preserve utility service when a landlord's nonpayment has put that service at risk. If tenants receive a discontinuance notice and individual billing is not practical, forming or working through a recognized tenants' organization can allow the group to take over billing and keep service running. Tenants who want to explore this option may benefit from contacting a local tenant-rights organization or the utility's customer service department to understand the process for establishing a qualifying tenants' organization under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.