New Jersey’s Eviction Moratorium Remains In Place
NEPTUNE, NEW JERSEY – While the federal moratorium on evictions expired on July 31st, THE MORATORIUM THAT COVERS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY IS STILL IN EFFECT. This means that no New Jersey resident can be removed from their home for nonpayment since New Jersey’s Eviction Moratorium remains in effect.
Now that there are different guidelines between state and federal eviction standards, it is more important than ever to be aware of our state’s guidance for tenants and landlords. Below you’ll find a handful of resources available to help you and your household navigate the current evolving housing environment:
New Jersey COVID-19 Information Hub:
For all of the information from the state of New Jersey on the COVID-19 pandemic, please visit their useful COVID-19 Information Hub at: https://covid19.nj.gov/index.html
Evictions:
As New Jersey winds down the COVID-19 eviction moratorium, the State has introduced protections to renter households who experienced economic hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic.
All renter households with incomes below 120% of the area median income are protected from eviction or removal at any time for nonpayment of rent, habitual late payment of rent, or failure to accept a rent increase that accrued from March 1, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2021.
Depending on your household’s income level and specific circumstances, you may also be eligible for protection from eviction or removal through December 31, 2021, and other assistance and services.
To ensure that your household benefits from these protections, you must complete the Income Self-Certification Form available at https://covid19.nj.gov/renter, through which you certify your income level. The Income Self-Certification Form also allows you to certify whether you had an economic impact from COVID-19, certify whether you have applied for rental assistance, and answer some additional questions, all of which will assist the government in providing you with assistance.
For information on the Income Self-Certification Form, and for more details on the income and document requirements please be sure to visit: https://covid19.nj.gov/faqs/nj-information/uncategorized/renter-self-certification-process-and-faqs
COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program:
The COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II is designed to provide rental arrears and temporary rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income, have qualified for unemployment benefits, incurred significant costs, or experienced a financial hardship due, directly, or indirectly, to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For More Information on the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program including eligibility, enrollment processes, and additional information please visit the NJ Department of Community Affairs at: https://www.nj.gov/dca/cverap2.shtml
Housing & Legal Assistance During COVID-19:
You might qualify for rental assistance, even if you are not facing eviction. There are many state, county, and municipal programs that can help you during the COVID-19 crisis. https://www.njcourts.gov/selfhelp/covid19_rentalassistance.html
The Affordable Housing Alliance is here to help every New Jersey resident get the support they need. If you, or someone you know, is continuing to struggle due to the pandemic, please give us a call to see how we can be of assistance.
For more information on how the Affordable Housing Alliance can help with COVID Rent Relief, or for more support with New Jersey’s Eviction Moratorium, give us a call at (732) 389-2958 or visit – HousingAll.org
