Many tenants we speak with at Volunteer Lawyers for Justice (VLJ), and many tenants across New Jersey, struggle with poor conditions in their rental units, creating stressful, frustrating, and at times, dangerous living situations. These issues range from infestations to mold, leaks to nonfunctioning appliances, broken locks, lack of heat, and more. It often feels like complaints or requests for repairs are not heard and issues remain unrepaired. If this sounds familiar to you or a friend or family member, please read on to learn what steps you should take as a tenant in New Jersey and what your rights are when it comes to “habitability.”