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Securing New Jersey rent relief is a critical step for thousands of residents facing financial hardship and the threat of eviction. A robust but complex network of state, county, and community programs exists to provide financial support for rent arrears, utility bills, and housing stability.
Understanding how to access this system, from immediate eviction prevention resources to long-term rental subsidies, is the first step toward finding a solution. The process begins with a few key actions and an awareness of the centralized tools designed to connect residents with the right help.
When facing a potential housing crisis, a series of immediate, strategic actions can provide breathing room and open pathways to assistance. The state’s support system is designed to triage cases through central hubs, making it essential to start at the correct entry points.
First Action: Communicate with Your Landlord
Before seeking external aid, it is advisable to communicate the situation to the landlord, preferably in writing. Proactive communication can sometimes result in a temporary payment plan. More importantly, many rental assistance programs require the landlord’s participation to process payments.
New Jersey law, under the Truth in Renting Act, legally requires landlords to cooperate with rental assistance programs that have committed to paying rent that is due. A landlord’s refusal to cooperate can serve as a legal defense in an eviction proceeding.
Second Action: Understand Your Eviction Protections
Receiving an eviction notice is not the final word. New Jersey has some of the strongest tenant protections in the nation, anchored by the Anti-Eviction Act, which lists the specific reasons a tenant can be evicted. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional protections were enacted, some of which may still offer recourse for tenants who fell behind on rent during specific periods.
Third Action: Use Centralized Screening Tools
New Jersey has established a deliberate system to guide residents to the appropriate resources, preventing them from having to contact dozens of agencies at random. Engaging with these two primary gateways is the most efficient first step.
Beyond financial aid, New Jersey provides a robust legal and social support infrastructure designed to actively prevent evictions. The state operates on the principle that keeping residents housed is more effective than addressing the consequences of homelessness.
New Jersey's Office of Eviction Prevention (OEP)
The DCA's Office of Eviction Prevention (OEP) is a dedicated state office that oversees programs and services aimed at eviction prevention and diversion. The OEP provides information on landlord-tenant rights, publishes the "Truth in Renting" guide, and works with community organizations to provide direct outreach to at-risk tenants.
For direct inquiries, the OEP hotline is (609) 376-0810.
Free Legal Help: The Comprehensive Eviction Defense & Diversion (CEDD) Program
One of the most powerful resources available to tenants is the Comprehensive Eviction Defense & Diversion (CEDD) program. This statewide initiative provides eligible low-income households facing or threatened with eviction with a two-person team at no cost.
This team includes:
This holistic model addresses both the legal and financial components of an eviction crisis simultaneously. The CEDD program is available in every county in New Jersey, ensuring that all eligible residents have access to these critical services.
| County | CEDD Provider Agency | Contact Information |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic/Cape May | Jewish Family Services | Office: 609-822-1108; Email: evprevention@jfsatlantic.org |
| Bergen | The Waterfront Project | Office: 551-256-7578; Email: intake@thewaterfrontproject.org |
| Burlington | Family Promise of Southwest New Jersey | Office: 856-243-5971; Email: info@familypromiseswnj.org |
| Camden | Camden Coalition / NJ Association on Correction | Email: cedd@camdenhealth.org; Office: 609-396-8900 |
| Cumberland | Family Promise of Southwest New Jersey | Office: 856-243-5971; Email: info@familypromiseswnj.org |
| Essex | Justice Innovation | Office: 833-434-0881; Email: edi@innovatingjustice.org |
| Gloucester | Family Promise of Southwest New Jersey | Office: 856-243-5971; Email: info@familypromiseswnj.org |
| Hudson | The Waterfront Project | Office: 551-256-7578; Email: intake@thewaterfrontproject.org |
| Hunterdon | Garden State Home | Office: 732-532-6865; Email: cedd@gardenstatehome.org |
| Mercer | Homefront | Office: 609-989-9417 x 141; Email: homefront@homefrontnj.org |
| Middlesex | Garden State Home | Office: 732-532-6865; Email: cedd@gardenstatehome.org |
| Monmouth | Community Affairs and Resource Center | Office: 732-774-3282 (Ext. 201, 203, or 103); Email: stopeviction@carcnj.org |
| Morris | Family Promise of Sussex | Office: 973-579-1180; Website: www.familypromisesussex.org |
| Ocean | Community Affairs and Resource Center | Office: 732-774-3282 (Ext. 201, 203, or 103); Email: stopeviction@carcnj.org |
| Passaic | Catholic Family and Community Services | Office: 973-279-7100 (Ext. 2010); Email: aalonso@catholicharities.org |
| Salem | Family Promise of Southwest New Jersey | Office: 856-243-5971; Email: info@familypromiseswnj.org |
| Somerset | Garden State Home | Office: 732-532-6865; Email: cedd@gardenstatehome.org |
| Sussex | Family Promise of Sussex | Office: 973-579-1180; Website: www.familypromisesussex.org |
| Union | The Waterfront Project | Office: 551-256-7578; Email: intake@thewaterfrontproject.org |
| Warren | Garden State Home / Family Promise of Warren | Office: 732-532-6865 / 908-453-2194; Email: cedd@gardenstatehome.org |
The NJ Department of Community Affairs (DCA) manages the state's largest housing assistance programs. These programs serve different needs, from long-term subsidies to short-term emergency aid. It is important to understand the structure of these programs, as the application processes vary significantly.
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
https://www.WaitlistCheck.com/NJ559.Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP)
Eviction Prevention Program (EPP)
https://njdca.onlinepha.com/) may close to new applications when funds are depleted but can reopen as more funding becomes available. It is essential to check the DCA website for the program's current status. Landlords may also apply on behalf of a tenant.Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
The distribution of federal emergency funds created a landscape where many New Jersey counties administer their own rental assistance programs. This has resulted in a patchwork of services where eligibility, application processes, and funding availability can vary significantly from one county to the next.
Nearly all rent relief programs are income-restricted. The table below provides a baseline for the maximum annual household income limits used for many emergency rental assistance programs, based on 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). These figures are subject to change but offer a strong guideline for self-screening.
| County | 1 Person | 2 Person | 3 Person | 4 Person | 5 Person | 6 Person | 7 Person | 8 Person |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic | $46,450 | $53,100 | $59,750 | $66,350 | $71,700 | $77,000 | $82,300 | $87,600 |
| Bergen | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Burlington | $54,150 | $61,850 | $69,600 | $77,300 | $83,500 | $89,700 | $95,900 | $102,050 |
| Camden | $54,150 | $61,850 | $69,600 | $77,300 | $83,500 | $89,700 | $95,900 | $102,050 |
| Cape May | $48,100 | $54,950 | $61,800 | $68,650 | $74,150 | $79,650 | $85,150 | $90,650 |
| Cumberland | $41,100 | $47,000 | $52,850 | $58,700 | $63,400 | $68,100 | $72,800 | $77,500 |
| Essex | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Gloucester | $54,150 | $61,850 | $69,600 | $69,600 | $83,500 | $89,700 | $95,900 | $102,050 |
| Hudson | $55,250 | $63,150 | $71,050 | $78,900 | $85,250 | $91,550 | $97,850 | $104,150 |
| Hunterdon | $57,800 | $66,050 | $74,300 | $82,550 | $89,200 | $95,800 | $102,400 | $109,000 |
| Mercer | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Middlesex | $57,800 | $66,050 | $74,300 | $82,550 | $89,200 | $95,800 | $102,400 | $109,000 |
| Monmouth | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Morris | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Ocean | $62,600 | $71,550 | $80,500 | $89,400 | $96,600 | $103,750 | $110,900 | $118,050 |
| Passaic | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Salem | $54,150 | $61,850 | $69,600 | $77,300 | $83,500 | $89,700 | $95,900 | $102,050 |
| Somerset | $57,800 | $66,050 | $74,300 | $82,550 | $89,200 | $95,800 | $102,400 | $109,000 |
| Sussex | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Union | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
| Warren | $54,950 | $62,800 | $70,650 | $78,500 | $84,800 | $91,100 | $97,350 | $103,650 |
Bergen County
Camden County
camdencounty.com or call (833) 327-2199.Essex County
Hudson County
Middlesex County
middlesexcountynj.gov/rental assistance.Ocean County
Beyond government programs, a network of non-profit and charitable organizations provides a crucial safety net for residents in need.
Maintaining utility service is a key component of housing stability. Shut-offs can make a home uninhabitable and sometimes provide grounds for eviction. New Jersey has streamlined the application process for its primary utility assistance programs to make it easier for residents to get help.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Universal Service Fund (USF)
Yes. In New Jersey, a landlord’s refusal to accept rental assistance payments cannot be used as a reason for eviction. If you are approved for aid and your landlord will not cooperate, you should immediately contact Legal Services of New Jersey or a local tenant rights organization for legal guidance.
Eligibility varies by program, but many forms of New Jersey rent relief do not require U.S. citizenship. Households with mixed immigration statuses are often eligible to apply. Always check the specific requirements for each fund, as some federally funded programs may have different rules for applicants.
If your application for New Jersey rent relief is denied, you should receive a reason for the decision. Review it carefully, as you may have the right to appeal. You can also call NJ 2-1-1 or contact a local non-profit agency to explore other potential sources of assistance.
While most emergency programs prioritize paying rent arrears (back rent) to prevent immediate eviction, some may offer limited assistance for upcoming rent, typically for one to three months. The availability of funds for future rent depends entirely on the specific program's guidelines and current funding levels.
This depends on the program's rules. Some rental assistance programs have lifetime limits, while others allow you to reapply after a certain period or if you face a new financial hardship. It is essential to review the eligibility criteria for the specific program you are targeting for aid.
Be cautious of anyone demanding a fee to apply for free government or non-profit programs. Official New Jersey rent relief programs will never ask for payment to submit an application. Never provide personal information like your Social Security number to an unverified source and always apply through official websites.
No, applying for and receiving grants from New Jersey rent relief programs does not directly impact your credit score. These are assistance programs, not loans. However, failing to pay rent can lead to collections or eviction judgments, which can severely damage your credit history.
Funding for rental assistance in New Jersey typically comes from a mix of federal, state, and local government sources. Federal funds often come from agencies like the Department of the Treasury, while state funds are allocated by the NJ legislature. Private donations also support many non-profit relief efforts.
If you need immediate shelter, your first point of contact should be your county's Board of Social Services or by dialing 2-1-1. These services can connect you with emergency housing resources, shelters, and other urgent support systems available in your specific area of New Jersey.
Nearly all applications for New Jersey rent relief require proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns), a copy of your lease agreement, and proof of hardship (an overdue rent notice or utility shutoff notice). Having digital copies of these documents ready can significantly speed up your application process.
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