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What Renters Need to Know
To be protected from eviction, you MUST self-certify right now.
Despite the end of the eviction moratorium, New Jersey households may be 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 August 31, 2021 or December 31, 2021 depending on your income.
In order to take advantage of these protections, you MUST file the self-certification above.
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Can I Be Evicted From My Home?
What if I Can't Pay Rent?
The CDC's federal eviction moratorium is no longer in place. However, tenants in NJ may still be protected. For the special eviction protections to take effect, the tenant MUST provide the required self-certification form to their landlord and, when applicable, to the courts. Click here for the steps to file for certification.
Many counties and some cities are running their own Emergency Rental Assistance Programs. Additionally, the state of New Jersey is continuing to accept pre-applications for their Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Click below to apply for an Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Please also make sure you self-certify your income in order to take advantage of special NJ Eviction Protections.
What if I Can't Pay My Utility Bills?
The moratorium on utility shut offs ended March 15th, 2022.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, click here to see if you are eligible for any NJ Department of Community Affairs assistance programs. You can also contact your utility company about assistance programs and payment plans. If you are unable to resolve an issue with your utility company, you should contact the Board of Public Utilities’ Customer Assistance team by filling out this online form, or by calling (800) 624-0241 and leaving a voicemail.
What Are My Rights?
Check out NJ's guide to the rights and responsibilities of residential renters and landlords, which covers issues such as the lease, security deposits, discrimination, disposition of personal property, consumer fraud protection, credit and background checks, habitability, evictions, foreclosures and more. Click on the buttons below.
Ida Storm Recovery
Renters affected by Hurricane Ida that live in Bergen, Essex, Gloucester, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Passaic, Somerset, or Union Counties may be eligible for assistance from FEMA.
If you have renters insurance, you should file a claim as soon as possible.
You can apply for assistance online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362. Click the buttons below for explanations of available assistance.
For all other counties, please visit nj.gov/ida for resources and to visit NJ's data collection portal.
Need More Assistance?
Need advice on buying a home, renting, default, foreclosure avoidance, credit issues or reverse mortgages? A HUD certified housing counselor is trained to assist you with your financial matters. They help clients navigate difficult challenges. Housing counseling and mediation services are free through this program. Housing counselors are experts in:
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Budgeting and savings
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How to consolidate debts
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Understanding credit and the credit bureaus
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Figuring out ways to reduce monthly expenses
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Develop an Action Plan to resolve any renting issues, including mediation services
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Rental housing counseling will help you understand the full rental process – from how to select the best home for you, to how to navigate your move-out day. Rental counseling sessions will explain renter rights and responsibilities, how to address complaints, delinquencies and more!
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