N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-16
Violations; order to terminate; injunctive relief
Operative Text
(a) If the commissioner shall discover any violation of the provisions of this act or any rules and regulations promulgated thereunder upon any inspection of any hotel or multiple dwelling, then the commissioner shall issue and cause to be served on the owner thereof a written order requiring said owner to terminate, or cause to be terminated, any such violation. Such written order shall state the nature of any such violation and a reasonable specified time within which any such violation must be terminated. Such written order shall also require and direct the owner to whom it is issued to take, or cause to be taken, such affirmative action as may be necessary to correct any such violation. (b) The commissioner may petition the Superior Court of this State for mandatory injunctive relief enforcing any order issued by the commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. In any such proceeding the Superior Court may proceed in a summary manner or otherwise, and shall have power to grant such temporary relief or restraining order as it may deem just and proper, and to make and enter a decree enforcing, modifying, and enforcing as so modified, or setting aside in whole or in part any order issued by the commissioner pursuant to subsection (a) of this section. L.1967, c. 76, s. 16, eff. May 31, 1967.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-16, when the commissioner finds a violation of the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law during an inspection, the commissioner must issue a written order to the property owner identifying the violation and setting a reasonable deadline to correct it. The order may also require the owner to take specific affirmative steps to bring the property into compliance. If an owner does not comply, the commissioner has the authority to seek mandatory injunctive relief through the New Jersey Superior Court, which can issue temporary restraining orders or decrees enforcing, modifying, or setting aside the commissioner's original order.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-16, compliant operators treat a written order from the commissioner as a binding directive that must be addressed within the timeframe specified in that order. Property managers generally document the corrective steps taken, confirm that each cited violation has been fully remediated, and retain records demonstrating timely compliance. Failure to act on such an order can escalate to Superior Court proceedings in which a judge may compel compliance through injunctive relief.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 55:13A-16 establishes a formal enforcement mechanism that can work in tenants' favor when housing conditions fall below the standards set by the Hotel and Multiple Dwelling Law. If a commissioner's inspection uncovers violations, tenants can inquire about the status of any written correction orders issued to their landlord and whether deadlines have been met. Tenants who believe violations remain unaddressed may consider contacting the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs, consulting a local tenant-rights organization, or exploring whether an unresolved order is relevant to any pending housing proceeding.
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.
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