N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-7.11
Existing systems, use
Operative Text
4. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 2 of this act, in any multiple dwelling where a system of indirect apportionment of heating costs is in use upon the effective date of this act, that system may continue in use pending application for and issuance of approval by the commissioner, for not more than six months following that effective date. L.1991,c.453,s.4.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.11, a multiple dwelling that already had an indirect heating-cost apportionment system in place when this law took effect was permitted to keep that system running temporarily—for up to six months—while the building owner sought formal approval from the commissioner. This provision created a limited grace period so that existing systems would not be immediately disrupted by the new law's requirements. Once that six-month window closed, continued operation required the commissioner's approval to be in hand.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners or managers who, as of the effective date of N.J.S.A. 55:13A-7.11, were already using an indirect heating-cost apportionment system needed to apply promptly to the commissioner for approval, since the grace period allowed under this provision extended no longer than six months from that date. Compliant operators generally documented the existing system's details and submitted their application well within that window to avoid operating without authorization. Operators managing multiple dwellings subject to this provision should confirm whether approval was properly obtained and remains on file.
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-7.11 establishes that any indirect heating-cost apportionment system used in a multiple dwelling after the six-month grace period must have received the commissioner's approval—tenants have an interest in knowing whether their building's system was properly authorized under this provision. If a tenant believes a landlord continued operating an unapproved system beyond the permitted window, that concern can generally be raised with the relevant New Jersey housing authority or explored with a tenant-rights organization familiar with state heating-cost regulations. Tenants may also consider whether the absence of proper approval could be relevant to any dispute over heating charges.
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.