COVID-19 HOUSING INFORMATION
We're here to help tenants and homeowners in Bergen, Hudson and Passaic Counties. Click through our resources below and call our offices if you have more questions.
Important Notice to Tenants Regarding Mandatory Settlement Conferences
New Jersey Courts have begun to schedule settlement conferences in eviction cases for nonpayment of rent.
If you get one of these notices, please contact NNJLS as soon as possible at 201-792-6363 or by email at NNJLS@LSNJ.org to see if we can assist you. Be aware that if you get one of these notices you must appear for the conference, which will be conducted virtually. If you fail to appear you may lose your case automatically and be evicted without a trial once the COVID moratorium is lifted.
To view the full Mandatory Settlement Conferences packet, click here. To view in Spanish, click here.
Bergen County Emergency
Rental Assistance Program
The County of Bergen is providing financial relief to eligible Bergen County residents who experienced a financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tenants who have been unable to pay their rent and/or utility payments since March 2020 are encouraged to apply for funding.
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If eligible, any renter who owes rent or utility payments dating back to March 13, 2020 may receive up to 12 months of rental arrears and utility payments through this program
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Program is first come, first serve as long as funding is available or until July 23, 2021 deadline is met
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All payments will be directly made to Landlord and/or Utility Provider
For more information and to apply, visit: www.BergenCountyCares.org.
Passaic County COVID-19 Rental Relief
The Passaic County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), can help low and moderate-income tenants pay past overdue rent, as far back as March 13, 2020. Applications will be accepted beginning May 17, 2021.
For more information and to sign up for updates, visit: impactpassaic.com.
Murphy Administration Announces Second Phase of Rental Assistance Program
Recognizing that New Jersey residents continue to need rental assistance during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the Murphy Administration today announced that the application period for a second phase of the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program will open on March 22, 2021. The federally-funded program will provide approximately $353 million in rental assistance to low- and moderate-income households that have had a substantial reduction in income as a result of the pandemic, including those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Applicants for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II (CVERAP Phase II) may be eligible for up to 12 months of rental assistance to help pay for rent arrears incurred after March 13, 2020, and future rent to the extent that funds are available.
CVERAP Phase II applications can be submitted online starting at 9 a.m. on March 22 with the use of a personal computer, laptop, smartphone, or tablet at https://njdca.onlinepha.com.
Those who are experiencing housing issues such as inability to pay rent or harassment by landlords are encouraged to contact our office without waiting until you receive court papers or eviction orders, as we are often better able to assist you at an early stage of your problem. Please contact us at NNJLS@lsnj.org.