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Help for Renters Affected by the Pandemic

Are you a renter who was impacted by the pandemic? Here are key things you should know.

If you’re behind on rent and your income is below 80% of your county Area Median Income (AMI) you can’t be evicted until after December 31, 2021.

Resources for Clergy and Lay Activists
Download this information as a printable sheet to share with those in need
Join “The Coming Eviction Crisis” briefing from ECS-NJ

 

If your income is between 80–120% of your county AMI the eviction freeze lifted on August 31, 2021. However there are still some protections. If you have unpaid rent between 3/1/20-8/31/21, you are permanently protected from eviction for unpaid rent, late rent, or failure to pay a rent increase during that period.

Rent during the same period of 3/1/20-8/31/21 has been converted to civil debt (not to be heard via cases in Landlord-Tenant Court)

How to Apply?

  1. Complete the NJ self-certification form now. A copy of the form can be emailed and texted to you as well as the court if you have a pending eviction case
  2. Also file the federal CDC self-certification form to protect yourself from eviction.
  3. There is an additional $500 Million in assistance for any renter below 120% of county AMI—apply now.

For Help Applying & Technical or Language Assistance

NJ Dept. of Community Affairs (DCA) Emergency Rental Assistance: Call: 609-490-4550 (8:30 am – 8:00 Everyday)

Email

More Important Details & Protections

  • Tenants must still look for and reply to all communications and notices from NJ DCA and courts
  • You should ensure nothing falls through the cracks in obtaining assistance and protecting yourself from eviction
  • Court eviction records for the emergency period shall not be made public, nor used by landlords in renting or by tenant screening agencies

Eviction protection for New Jersey residents is extended until November 15th. Homeowners and renters can get counseling help from the NJ Housing & Mortgage Financing Agency (NJHMFA) Foreclosure Mediation Assistance Program. Visit them on the Web for more information and assistance.

The NJHMFA Housing Assistance Fund (HAF) will be in place soon to assist homeowners. Find details here. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) foreclosure prevention protection program provides multiple options for how to manage any forbearance provided during the health emergency. The CFPB protection is universal and applies to all mortgage lenders. (CFPB information and help for homeowners, tenants and landlords can be found here.

Regardless of the CFPB protections, homeowners must pay attention to notices from banks and should consult with HUD housing counselors if they are in danger of foreclosure.