New Jersey § 2a:42-88

§ 2a:42-88.

a. The public officer or any tenant occupying a dwelling may maintain a proceeding

as provided in this act, upon the grounds that there exists in such dwellings or in

housing space thereof a lack of heat or of running water or of light or of electricity

or of adequate sewage disposal facilities, or any other condition or conditions in

substantial violation of the standards of fitness for human habitation established

under the State or local housing or health codes or regulations or any other condition

dangerous to life, health or safety. b. A public officer, a tenant whose utility service has been diverted or a utility

company providing electric, gas or water utility service to a dwelling may maintain

a proceeding as provided in this act upon the grounds (1) that there exists in these

dwellings or in housing space thereof a wrongful diversion of electric, gas or water

utility service by the owner or owners or other party from a tenant of the dwelling

without the consent of the tenant, or the use by the owner or other party in the dwelling

without the tenant's consent of electric, gas or water utility service that is being

charged to the tenant, and (2) that the owner has been notified by either a public

officer, a tenant whose utility service has been diverted or a utility company of

the wrongful diversion or unconsented use by certified mail and has failed to take

necessary action to correct or eliminate the wrongful diversion or unconsented use

within 30 days of receipt of such notice. If an owner fails or refuses to accept a notice sent by certified mail, the date

of receipt shall be deemed to be the third day after mailing, provided the notice

was sent to the owner at an address to which the owner's utility bills or municipal

tax bills are sent.