N.J. Stat. Ann. § 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-7.8
Indirect apportionment of heating costs
Operative Text
1. As used in this act, "indirect apportionment of heating costs" in a multiple dwelling means the charging to each dwelling unit within that multiple dwelling of a portion of the heating costs for the multiple dwelling as a whole on the basis of any method or device other than direct measurement of fuel or current consumption by separate metering devices, approved by the Board of Public Utilities pursuant to R.S.48:2-25, for each such dwelling unit. L.1991,c.453,s.1.
Under N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-7.8, 'indirect apportionment of heating costs' refers to any method of dividing a multiple dwelling's total heating expenses among individual units that does not rely on separate, Board of Public Utilities-approved meters measuring each unit's actual fuel or electricity use. This definition establishes the regulatory boundary between direct metering and all other allocation approaches, such as formulas based on square footage or occupancy. The provision sets the conceptual foundation for how New Jersey law treats non-metered heating cost distribution in multi-unit residential buildings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating multiple dwellings in New Jersey should understand that N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq. § 55:13A-7.8 draws a clear line between individually metered heating charges and any other cost-allocation method. Compliant operators who use non-metered approaches—such as dividing costs by unit size or a fixed formula—are operating under what this statute classifies as 'indirect apportionment,' which triggers its own set of regulatory requirements. Operators who wish to avoid indirect-apportionment classification generally ensure that each unit has a separate metering device approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities under R.S. 48:2-25.
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-1 et seq. § 55:13A-7.8 gives tenants in multiple dwellings a clear definition to reference when questioning how their landlord calculates heating charges: if the building does not use individual, Board of Public Utilities-approved meters for each unit, the charges fall under the 'indirect apportionment' framework and are subject to related state regulations. Tenants who believe their heating costs are being allocated improperly may raise this definition when reviewing their lease terms or when communicating with their landlord. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing additional provisions within N.J.S.A. 55:13A-1 et seq. can help tenants understand what protections or remedies may apply to their 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 6, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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