N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-21
Enforcement of provisions
Operative Text
Each municipality of this State is hereby authorized to enforce the provisions of this act, and any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder, within the corporate limits thereof, subject to the control and supervision of the commissioner and in accordance with such rules and regulations as the commissioner may issue and promulgate. The commissioner shall consult with and advise any municipality which enforces the provisions of this act, and any rules and regulations promulgated hereunder, and each such municipality shall furnish the commissioner with such reports, data and information as the commissioner may deem necessary. L.1967, c. 76, s. 21, eff. May 31, 1967.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-21, New Jersey municipalities are granted authority to enforce the State's hotel and multiple dwelling regulations within their own boundaries, but that authority operates under the oversight and direction of the state Commissioner of Community Affairs. The Commissioner retains supervisory control, issues guiding rules, and provides consultation to participating municipalities. In turn, each enforcing municipality must supply the Commissioner with reports, data, and other information the Commissioner considers necessary.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to New Jersey's hotel and multiple dwelling laws under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-21 should be aware that compliance obligations may be monitored at both the local and state levels simultaneously. A compliant operator generally responds to inspection or reporting requests from the local municipal enforcement office and understands that the municipality acts as an extension of state oversight, not as a fully independent authority. Keeping thorough records of property conditions and communications with local officials supports readiness for any state-level review that may follow.
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-21 establishes that tenants living in regulated dwellings have two potential avenues of governmental oversight available to them: the local municipal enforcement office and the state Commissioner of Community Affairs. Tenants who believe a housing code violation exists may contact their municipal housing enforcement office, which is authorized to act under this provision, and may also reach out to the state-level agency if local enforcement appears inadequate. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with New Jersey housing law can help residents understand which enforcement channel may be most relevant to a given situation.
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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