Tenant Rights During Elevator Outages in NJ High-Rises

For many renters in New Jersey high-rises, elevator outages can cause serious daily challenges, especially for tenants with disabilities or mobility needs. It's important to know your legal rights, what your landlord must do, and what steps you can take if the elevator in your building goes out of service.

Your Right to a Safe and Habitable Home

Under New Jersey law, all tenants have a right to a habitable living environment. This includes working elevators in multi-story buildings, which are essential for safety, access, and daily life—especially if you or a family member have a physical disability. Landlords must maintain elevators and fix problems promptly according to the New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act and the New Jersey Condominium Act.^[1]

What Should Landlords Do During an Elevator Outage?

When elevators stop working, landlords must:

• Make immediate repairs or schedule them as quickly as possible
• Communicate estimated repair times and updates to tenants
• Offer reasonable accommodations to tenants with disabilities—such as temporary relocation, help with groceries, or additional assistance if access to apartments is blocked

Legal Protections for Renters With Disabilities

The federal Fair Housing Amendments Act and the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination require landlords to provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. If a broken elevator blocks access to your unit, you can formally request extra support or a temporary solution.

Filing a Complaint or Asking for Accommodation

If your landlord is not addressing an elevator outage or does not respond to your request for accommodation, you have several state-supported ways to get help:

• New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) Complaint Form: If you believe your rights as a tenant with a disability are being violated, use the DCR Online Discrimination Complaint Form to report the issue.
  Example: You use a wheelchair and cannot leave your apartment because the elevator is broken. You request help, but your landlord does nothing. You file a DCR complaint for failure to provide accommodation.
• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) – Bureau of Housing Inspection Complaint: If common areas and essential services such as elevators are not maintained, file a DCA Bureau of Housing Inspection Complaint (Form DCA-HI-007).
  Example: The elevator has been out for several days and affects everyone. Send this form to alert state inspectors.

The New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court resolves disputes between renters and landlords. If other solutions fail, tenants may bring their complaints to this tribunal for further action (such as requesting a rent abatement or an order to force repairs). More information is available at the NJ Courts Landlord-Tenant Information page.^[2]

Step-by-Step: How to Request Accommodation or File a Complaint

• Document the elevator outage (dates, communication, pictures if possible)
• Make your repair/accommodation request in writing to your landlord
• If there is no response, use the DCR or DCA complaint forms above
• If conditions remain unlivable, consider starting a formal case at Landlord-Tenant Court

FAQ: New Jersey Renters and Elevator Outages

1. What should I do first if my building's elevator goes out?
   Notify your landlord or management in writing right away and keep a copy for your records.
2. Can I ask for a temporary reduction in rent?
   It's possible to request a rent abatement if the outage makes your unit partially or fully inaccessible, but this usually requires negotiation or a Landlord-Tenant Court ruling.
3. How quickly does my landlord have to fix an elevator?
   New Jersey law requires repairs to be made in a reasonable time, especially for critical services. "Reasonable" often depends on repair complexity and availability.
4. Is there a government inspector for elevator outages?
   Yes. The Department of Community Affairs Bureau of Housing Inspection handles complaints about elevator maintenance.
5. What if I have a disability and the outage traps me at home?
   Your landlord must offer reasonable accommodations promptly. If they don't, you may file a complaint with the Division on Civil Rights.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• You have a right to a safe and accessible home, including working elevators.
• Landlords must promptly maintain essential services and offer disability accommodations when needed.
• New Jersey offers official forms and agencies for help if your rights aren't respected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) – Landlord-Tenant Information
• NJ Division on Civil Rights: How to File a Complaint
• New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court Information (official tribunal)
• DCA: File a Housing Maintenance Complaint

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1. See: New Jersey Truth-in-Renting Act – Landlord and Tenant Rights, and the New Jersey Condominium Act.
2. New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Court: Official Dispute Tribunal.

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