New Jersey

NLIHC has estimated a need for no less than $100 billion in emergency rental assistance and broke down the need and cost for each state (download Excel spreadsheet). 

In response to COVID-19 and its economic fallout, many cities and states are creating or expanding rental assistance programs to support individuals and families impacted by the pandemic, and NLIHC is tracking in-depth information on these programs.  

You can use the interactive map and searchable database to find state and local emergency rental assistance programs near you. You can also see the latest news on rental assistance programs through the state-by-state news tracker. Note that this is not a comprehensive list of all rental assistance programs as we continue to update frequently. If you are aware of a program not included in our database, please contact [email protected]. 

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

Across the country, homeless service providers are struggling to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to follow public health guidelines and help ensure people’s safety, some shelters are being forced to reduce services, restrict admittance, or close entirely. The loss of these critical resources puts people experiencing homelessness at even higher risk of illness. Check NLIHC's cumulative list of shelter closings.

Below is a list of shelters that have had to majorly alter services or completely close:

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No information at this time.

Somerset County distributed $9 million in emergency rental and utility assistance to more than 2,000 residents in 877 households. The county approved up to $1.6 million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to supplement the $7.7 million from the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s (Treasury) Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Somerset County expanded awareness of the emergency rental assistance program (ERAP) by hiring six ERAP Educators to provide information and application assistance in libraries throughout the county.

Updated on June 14, 2022

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With New Jersey’s eviction moratorium ending on January 1, landlords are now able to evict tenants for nonpayment of rent. Judges faced a backlog of nearly 52,000 landlord-tenant cases as of the end of November.

Updated on January 30, 2022

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New Jersey residents have until December 15 to apply to the state’s rental assistance program. Jersey City closed its application last month, and Newark’s rental aid program will remain open through January 7. New Jersey’s eviction moratorium ended for higher earners on August 31, and it will end for lower-income renters who earn less than 80% of the area median income on December 31.

Updated on December 13, 2021

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The application period for New Jersey’s emergency rental assistance program closes on December 15. Renters can apply for funds at njdca.onlinepha.com or call 609-490-4550 to enter into a lottery. Learn more about available resources for New Jersey residents here. 

Updated on November 22, 2021

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There are available resources to help Camden tenants behind on rent and utility payments. The Camden County RECOVERS program is providing rent and utility relief. Additional assistance is available through the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II. Residents can apply here.

Updated on October 25, 2021

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Governor Phil Murphy signed legislation (S.3691) on August 4 that will help stem a wave of evictions. Under the new law, households with incomes up to 120% of area median income (AMI) cannot be evicted for nonpayment of rent owed between March 1, 2020 and August 31, 2021. The state eviction moratorium will end on August 31, 2021 for nonpayment of rent; however, households with incomes up to 80% of AMI can apply for an extension of the moratorium through December 2021 if they can demonstrate COVID-related economic hardship and have applied for emergency rental assistance. 
Updated on August 30, 2021

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The Gothamist reports that as New Jersey courts face an avalanche of eviction cases, state Chief Justice Stuart Rabner issued a new order that changes some aspects of the court process for landlords and tenants. The changes include most of the recommendations issued by tenant advocates, landlord representatives, and court staff in April. Under the changes, all proceedings will occur remotely, and courts must provide both parties the opportunity to use technology on-site if necessary. Additionally, landlords must provide lease agreements and tenants must submit statements before trial.

A bill waiting for Governor Phil Murphy’s signature would protect tenants from being evicted for nonpayment if they certify that they were impacted by the pandemic and have applied for rental assistance.
Updated on July 26, 2021

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An op-ed in the Star Ledger urges Congress to support an expansion of the Housing Choice Voucher program to ensure all eligible households receive rental assistance. The federal government has enacted many measures to provide short-term housing relief, but the need for permanent reform is greater than ever. About 60,000 evictions are pending across New Jersey, with many more waiting to be filed after the eviction moratorium ends.
Updated on July 22, 2021

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Certain New Jersey eviction filings due to nonpayment of rent during the pandemic could be kept confidential under a new bill (S3713/A4463), reducing barriers to accessing new housing.
Updated on July 15, 2021

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NorthJersey.com reports that tenant lawyers are seeing an increase in landlords filing lawsuits in civil courts against tenants to recoup rental payments. Tenant advocates anticipate the state will see a sustained increase in such civil cases as legislators debate a deal to end the eviction moratorium.
Updated on June 14, 2021

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 The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey and other housing advocates are raising concerns about a new bipartisan bill that would ban evictions during the pandemic but allow landlords to pursue missed rent as civil debt. The bill would offer about $750 million in rental assistance, but lawmakers and housing advocates have different interpretations of how the money could be used.

New Jersey renters can still apply to the state’s Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) lottery program. Since the application opened in late March, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs has received over 74,000 applications. The state expects to choose 20,000 applications out of that pool for the lottery by May 14.
Updated on June 4, 2021

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A NorthJersey.com article outlines several funding streams and programs that New Jersey is currently offering or plans to launch to prevent a tsunami of evictions and foreclosures when federal and state eviction protections expire in June. New Jersey landlords have already filed nearly 59,000 eviction cases with the courts between April 2020 and March 2021.

NorthJersey.com reports that New Jersey launched a website for renters, landlords, and homeowners seeking information on the latest housing rules, assistance grants, legal assistance, or help with working out a rental repayment plan. The website includes a toll-free phone number, 888-691-3002, that tenants facing eviction can call to be connected with Volunteer Lawyers for Justice for legal aid. Visit the website at: https://www.housinghelpnj.org

Updated on April 28, 2021

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NJ.com reports that the New Jersey Attorney General’s office announced new measures to protect tenants from illegal lockouts during the eviction moratorium. “The directive outlines clear and easy steps for law enforcement officers to follow. By issuing this directive and educating the public this evening, we can reduce the number of illegal evictions in this state,” said Attorney General Gurbir Grewa.

Updated on April 17, 2021

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The application period for a second phase of New Jersey’s COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program opened on March 22, 2021. The program will provide approximately $353 million in emergency rental assistance. More than 15,000 households received aid from the first phase of the rental assistance program.

Despite state and federal eviction protections, New Jersey landlords continue to illegally evict tenants. Housing advocates have urged state officials to punish landlords who defy Governor Murphy’s executive order and the CDC order. The Volunteer Lawyers for Justice and a group of housing advocates sent a letter in November to Attorney General Gurbir Grewal and the head of the State Police to urge them to address the growing issue of illegal lockouts.

Updated on March 31, 2021

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The city of New Brunswick paused its Cold Blue program in which it opens Unity Square as a warming center when overnight temperatures drop below 25 degrees. The director of Human and Community Services said the “timing was unfortunate'' given the frigid temperatures impacting the area. Staci Berger, president and CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, tweeted, “this is illegal, immoral & possibly deadly.”

Updated on February 22, 2021

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Hamilton Township’s Department of Community and Economic Development has secured more than $650,000 of its federal Community Development Block Grant - CARES (CDBG-CV) funds to provide utility, rent, or mortgage payments.

Updated on February 17, 2021

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New Jersey advocates are urging lawmakers to pass “The People’s Bill” (S2340/A4034) to prevent a tsunami of evictions when Governor Phil Murphy’s eviction moratorium is lifted. The legislation, designed to prevent mass evictions, was passed by the Assembly in July 2020, then amended and sent back to the Senate where it has remained since November.

Updated on February 08, 2021

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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced on January 26 that Newark has been awarded $8.4 million for emergency rental assistance. The city will use the new federal funding to expand Newark’s existing tenant protection programs.

Updated on February 01, 2021

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New Jersey officials and shelter providers are grappling with difficult questions concerning COVID-19 vaccinations and individuals experiencing homelessness. The New Jersey Department of Health has not directly answered questions about what vaccine priority groups individuals experiencing homelessness fall into. While congregate settings fall into the first phase of the vaccine rollout, homeless shelters are not included on the state’s public list. According to a spokesperson, the state is still working to determine who will fall into the next phases.

Updated on January 25, 2021

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Governor Phil Murphy urged the New Jersey Legislature to pass a stalled housing relief bill, nicknamed “The People’s Bill,” that would give renters time to pay back rent and provide stronger mortgage forbearance.

Burlington County submitted an application to the Department of Treasury to obtain $13 million for an emergency rental assistance program. The county established a Housing Hub at the Burlington County Human Services Building, which has provided a total of 1,066 households with aid in 2020. Nearly 1,500 households received help from the Burlington County’s Rapid Rehousing Initiative.

Updated on January 15, 2021

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The Asbury Park Press reports that the Jersey Shore is experiencing increases in homelessness amid the pandemic. The article lists various opportunities to support individuals experiencing homelessness in the region.

Updated on December 9, 2020

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The New Jersey Senate is considering a controversial bill (A-4034/S-2340) that would provide tenants who have been impacted by COVID-19 with up to 30 months to repay their rent arrears without fear of eviction. The bill is part of a legislative package to prevent a wave of evictions when the state’s moratorium expires.

Updated on November 30, 2020

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Montclair housing and homeless advocates are preparing for the upcoming winter, anticipating greater need due to the pandemic and economic recession. Advocates are predicting a wave of evictions once Governor Phil Murphy’s executive order prohibiting evictions is lifted.

Updated on November 17, 2020

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Newark city officials announced that NJ SHARES SMART and the Newark Office of Tenant Legal Services (OTLS) will provide $372,000 in funding to prevent evictions for nonpayment of rent.

Updated on November 4, 2020

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In a six-part series, USA Today examines how racism is fueling COVID-19 deaths. In New Jersey’s most segregated county, Essex County, segregation fueled the spread of COVID-19.

Updated on October 19, 2020

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Montclair altered its affordable housing ordinance to include a rental assistance program for very low-income tenants in eligible rental units. Essex County is offering six months of assistance to eligible tenants whose incomes have been impacted by the pandemic. Montclair will provide low-income tenants assistance with their first three months’ rent.

Essex County is launching a $5.5 million emergency rental assistance program. The Essex County Coronavirus Emergency Rental Assistance Program is funded through the Community Development Block Grant – Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) and Emergency Solutions – Coronavirus (ESG-CV) programs.

Updated on October 14, 2020

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NJ.com reports applications for New Jersey’s Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program (SLEG) reopened for its second round of applications on September 28. The reopening of SLEG follows a $2.35 million grant to provide legal aid to at-risk tenants.

Updated on October 5, 2020

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A $2.3 million Housing Stability Grant, funded through the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund, will provide outreach, counseling services, and pro-bono legal help to renters facing eviction. The funds are expected to help 250,000 New Jersey residents and provide counseling to 10,000 renters, but housing advocates continue to call for additional protection and aid for tenants.

Updated on September 29, 2020

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Two nonprofits have received grants totaling $2.35 million from the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund to provide legal representation and housing counseling to renters facing the threat of eviction. Many renters are unaware of their rights, leaving them more vulnerable to eviction. Advocates hope these grants will prevent a looming eviction crisis by helping at-risk tenants understand their rights and navigate the complex legal system.

Updated on September 22, 2020

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An NJ.com op-ed urges the state Senate to protect Black families from COVID-19 evictions by passing S-2340, an important pandemic-related housing protections bill. S-2340 would establish a comprehensive, statewide forbearance program that would prevent a tsunami of pandemic-caused displacement. 

Updated on September 15, 2020

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New Jersey recently launched the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program through the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency. The program will reimburse small residential rental property owners for lost revenue due to COVID-19 between April and July 2020, if they agree to forgive outstanding back rent and late fees that their tenant accrued during this time.

Updated on September 2, 2020.

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Governor Phil Murphy announced on August 7 the creation of the Small Landlord Emergency Grant Program. The $25 million program, funded through the CARES Act and administered by the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency, will provide emergency grant funding to small property owners for COVID-19 related decreases in rent revenue for a four-month period between April and July 2020.

New Jersey’s new grant program is expected to help small residential property owners who are often the most vulnerable in an economic crisis. There have been more than 15,000 evictions filed during the pandemic, and advocates expect that this number will grow in the coming months. 

Updated on August 19, 2020.

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Approximately 8,000 people were selected for New Jersey’s $100 million COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. More than 60,000 residents applied to the program, hoping to be selected through the online lottery.

Despite New Jersey’s eviction moratorium, more than 15,000 renters are facing eviction. Another 450,000 households across the state -- 40% of renters -- will be unable to afford August’s rent payment, and New Jersey could see as many 304,000 eviction filings in the next four months. 

NJTV News discusses what tenants and homeowners can do if they are being harassed to pay and threatened with eviction or foreclosure. “You have landlords that are trying to really bamboozle people into accepting agreements that are not in their best interest, where they’re not being adequately represented and that’s wrong,” said Arnold Cohen, senior policy advisor for the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, an NLIHC state partner.

Updated on August 11, 2020.

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The New Jersey Assembly on July 30 approved legislation to provide eviction and foreclosure protections for tenants and homeowners impacted by the pandemic. The bill was approved with bipartisan support. Advocates applauded the Assembly for passing the People’s Bill (A4266/A4034) and urged the Senate to pass companion legislation (S2340).

Updated on August 4, 2020.

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More than 60,000 New Jersey residents are vying for the state’s $100 million COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program. It’s unclear how many of the 60,838 applicants will be approved for assistance.

An op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer urges the New Jersey Legislature to act quickly to prevent an eviction and foreclosure tsunami caused by the pandemic.

Representative Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) held a virtual meeting with the Housing Alliance of Morris County on housing security and homelessness response during the pandemic.

Updated on July 28, 2020.

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An article in ROI-NJ discusses NLIHC’s Out of Reach 2020 report, which found that New Jersey is the seventh most expensive place in the United States for renters. “Trying to make the rent has always been a struggle for New Jerseyans and the coronavirus pandemic has rendered it almost impossible,” said Staci Berger, CEO and president of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, an NLIHC state partner.

Updated on July 20, 2020.

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Staci Berger, president and CEO of the Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey, an NLIHC state partner, wrote an op-ed in the NJ Spotlight, urging Congress to take bold action to protect New Jersey renters.

Updated on July 7, 2020.

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New Jersey advocates are concerned that business interests are being prioritized for pandemic relief over low-and middle-income residents. Advocates highlighted ongoing concerns about housing, health care, and the urgent need to mitigate the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on Black and Latino communities.

Updated on June 29, 2020.

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A Star-Ledger editorial addresses the urgent need for federal assistance to prevent a surge of evictions, including $100 billion in emergency rental assistance. The editorial calls attention to Republican leaders’ refusal to vote on the HEROES Act.

Updated on June 22, 2020.

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Governor Phil Murphy announced on May 29 that New Jersey will provide $100 million in emergency rental assistance to residents who have been impacted by the pandemic. The program will allocate approximately 20% of funding to serve those who are very low-income, experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness with up to 12 months of rental assistance. For the remainder of the funding, the Department of Community Affairs will administer an online lottery. The program will be funded primarily through the CARES Act.

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Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced on May 18 the launch of the Newark COVID-19 Tenant Based Rental Assistance program. The program has $1 million in available funding through local funding and federal HOME funds.

The New Jersey Apartment Association expressed its support of the legislature for passing Senate Bill 2332/Assembly Bill 3956 that would establish the 2020 New Jersey Emergency Rental Assistance Program and appropriate $100 million to the program. The program would expand the current Homelessness Prevention Program to assist low- and moderate- income families as well as middle-income residents and those in workforce housing.

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Newark created a $1 million Emergency Housing Assistance Fund to provide low-income residents up to $1,000 each to help pay rent or utilities. The rental assistance program will be funded through federal HOME grants and potentially some funds from the city’s housing trust fund.  Applications will be available on May 18 on the city’s website.

Bill A. 3956 would create the New Jersey Emergency Rental Assistance Program to help tenants remain stably housed. The emergency assistance program would first use federal funds, specifically Community Development Block Grants sent to the state to support Hurricane Sandy Recovery that haven’t been spent. The State Assembly will vote on the bill on May 14.
Union City passed a measure prohibiting any evictions of residential or commercial tenants during its state of emergency, including for non-payment. Union City’s legislation would enact a moratorium on all evictions, whether the property is mortgaged or owned by the landlord.

Jersey City Council unanimously passed an ordinance (Ordinance No. 20-036) that prohibits any rent increase and any penalty for late rent payments until August 1, 2020 in all rent controlled and non-owner occupied 1-4 unit dwellings. 

Newark started testing people experiencing homelessness for the coronavirus on May 4. The testing is occurring at an airport hotel that the city acquired last month to provide housing for Newark residents experiencing homelessness. The city has accommodations to quarantine anyone who tests positive for the coronavirus.

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The city of Passaic is increasing efforts to test people experiencing homelessness for the coronavirus, including opening a testing site at its North Hudson Community Center. The city recently opened Dignity House, a resource center for people experiencing homelessness.

Advocacy groups and shelter providers in New Jersey are preparing for an increased demand for their services once the state reopens and the eviction moratorium is lifted. Over the last month in Morris County, there has been a 30% increase to the coordinated entry list for shelters.

As Newark renters face illegal eviction due to the pandemic, pro bonos and advocacy groups worry that many Newarkers are vulnerable to landlord exploitation. Newark is one of three cities in the country to offer pro bono legal representation to low-income renters facing eviction. 

The Newark Housing Authority is adjusting its public housing wait list to accommodate families who are in need of transitional housing due to loss of employment or homelessness. Families who are currently on the public housing waiting list and wish to apply for COVID-19 preference can visit: www.newarkha.org 

The Housing and Community Development Network of Jersey applauded Governor Phil Murphy for announcing new measures and resources for renters and homeowners impacted by COVID-19, including an order allowing renters to use security deposits to cover their rent with a notification of intent to their landlord.

Governor Phil Murphy announced expanded protections for individuals without permanent housing on April 24. Executive Order No. 106 protects access to hotels and motels for individuals without permanent housing and clarifies that municipalities are prohibited from imposing restrictions in response to the coronavirus pandemic on the ability of motels, hotels, guest houses, or private residents to accept any individuals who have no permanent housing.

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Bridges, a nonprofit organization in New Jersey, is collaborating with the city of Newark to move 150 people experiencing homelessness into separate hotel rooms to self-isolate or receive critical medical attention. Over the past four weeks, Bridges has housed people experiencing homelessness in an old hotel near Newark Airport. 

Trenton opened the first of four overflow shelters for people experiencing homelessness on April 21. The city council approved a $500,000 contract with the Trenton Health Team and additional contractors to establish the shelters.

Eva’s Village, a nonprofit social service organization in Paterson, New Jersey, has made adjustments to its facilities to strengthen its capacity to serve clients who are battling homelessness, substance abuse, and the coronavirus.

Last week, the Trenton City Council approved a $500,000 contract for emergency homeless shelters for the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergency shelters will be for people experiencing homelessness who need to be quarantined or at-risk for being infected. Trenton, which has more than 300 people experiencing homelessness, has plans to open four shelters, including one designated for women and children fleeing domestic violence during COVID-19.
 
Lyft, in partnership with several nonprofit organizations across New Jersey, announced that it will provide complimentary access to transportation to residents needing assistance accessing essential services during the pandemic. For example, the Bergen County Housing, Health, and Human Services will provide ride codes to low-income families who need to attend work or appointments.

Human Services will provide ride codes to low-income families who need to attend work or appointments.

Atlantic City is exploring options to help find safe and supportive housing for individuals who are homeless and have tested positive for COVID. Bob Franklin, director of development at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, said the mission was near capacity at 300, and was also stepping up its food program for the non-homeless poor. Recent estimates of the homeless population in the county have exceeded 400.

Newark New Jersey is setting up a $6 million fund for residents and businesses losing money during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka announced that the city would be dedicating $6 million in six programs to counteract the impacts of the pandemic, including housing and homeowner assistance. 

The City of Hoboken has passed an ordinance preventing rent increases in rent-controlled buildings during the COVID-19 emergency.

No information at this time.

Article Title	Link
Op-Ed: Pandemic Relief Must Include Emergency Housing Assistance	NJ Spotlight
Legislators must quickly pass bills to keep people in their homes | Opinion	NJ.com

Federal, state, and local eviction moratoriums are rapidly expiring and the CARES Act supplemental unemployment benefits will end soon; at that time, millions of low-income renters will be at risk of losing their homes. The NLIHC estimates at least $100 billion in emergency rental assistance is needed to keep low-income renters stably housed during and after the pandemic. This tracker links to news reports of the growing evictions crisis in various cities and states. Check NLIHC's cumulative list of eviction updates.

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New Jersey’s new grant program is expected to help small residential property owners who are often the most vulnerable in an economic crisis. There have been more than 15,000 evictions filed during the pandemic, and advocates expect that this number will grow in the coming months.

Updated on August 28, 2020.

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Despite New Jersey’s eviction moratorium, more than 15,000 renters are facing eviction. Another 450,000 households across the state -- 40% of renters -- will be unable to afford August’s rent payment, and New Jersey could see as many 304,000 eviction filings in the next four months.

Updated: August 12

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Governor Murphy's 3/19 order prohibited enforcement of all evictions until two months after the end of the state-wide emergency. On 7/2 he signed an order extending the public health emergency with no expiration date, essentially giving the evictions moratorium no expiration date. The State Supreme Court confirmed the suspension of residential lockouts on 6/25. Though most courts are not hearing eviction cases, landlords can still file evictions and settlement meetings can be held.  The State Legislature just passed a bill on 7/30 that allows renters at or below 100% AMI to qualify for rental repayment plans; reinforce the eviction moratorium through 60 days post emergency declaration expiration; expand on the governor's moratorium by preventing the initiation of new eviction cases until the emergency order has ended, and require landlords to provide all tenants with information about their rights and a statement of their rental debt 10 days before the moratorium expires. This bill is intended to prevent an immediate flood of evictions when the moratorium expires but has yet to be signed by the governor. 

Updated: August 1

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In the third week of July, 27.8% of adults in New Jersey reported they had missed their previous housing payment or had little confidence they would make their next one on time, according to a weekly survey conducted by the Census. In the same survey, 471,722 renters reported they had not paid their previous rental paym

Local housing policy experts predict that close to 40% of renters won't be able to pay their August rent, resulting in 304,000 evictions over the next fours months---a 600% increase from previous years. 49% of Black renters in New Jersey were unable to pay the last month's rent, in comparison to 18% of white renters. 61,000 households applied for New Jersey's $100 million rental assistance program, which can only support 8,000 households. 

Updated: July 29

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According to a weekly survey by the Census, 28% of adults in the state either missed their last housing payment or have little/no confidence of being able to make next month’s housing payment.

Updated: July 16