Rentals must meet city, state, and federal housing and health codes. These codes describe and specify the requirements that rental properties must meet in order to be safe and livable. There are rules regulating such things as heat, plumbing, roofing, pests (such as rats, mice, or cockroaches), and structures like walls, windows, basements, and attics.
If you feel that the conditions in your apartment or house are unlivable or dangerous, you can call the local housing inspector to inspect the property. However, you should give the landlord written notice of the problems and an opportunity to repair them before calling the housing inspectors.
Important Numbers
New Brunswick Housing Inspection Division
Civic Square, 25 Kirkpatrick Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
732-745-5075
Highland Park Housing Inspection Office
221 South 5th Avenue
Highland Park
732-819-3792
