Legal Blog Articles by Christopher A. Dzwilewski

Gov. Phil Murphy recently signed legislation into law modifying New Jersey’s eviction moratorium.  The State had previously enacted legislation that extended the eviction moratorium through the end of 2021, but this new law shortens the previous moratorium for renters that do not meet certain income and other requirements.  Renters with household incomes below 120% of the Area Medium Income (AMI) get protection from eviction through August and households with incomes below 80% AMI will receive protection through the end of the year.  Separately, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended the nationwide moratorium on evictions for 60 days. 

Among other provisions, the legislation, Senate Bill 3691, also appropriates an additional $500 million for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) and $250 million for utility assistance. “We have heard the continuing calls for help from New Jerseyans who are struggling to pay their rent and utilities. COVID-19 has put tenants and landlords in a difficult place, and I am pleased to say that more assistance is on the way,”Gov. Murphy said in a press statement.“This bill is going to direct money to the people and programs that need it most. Housing and access to utilities are fundamental to human health and safety and we want to ensure that as many eligible applicants impacted by the pandemic get the help they need during this challenging time.”