Cryan-Pou Bill Putting Moratorium on Evictions & Foreclosures During Health Emergencies Now Law

Trenton – Acting to protect residents from losing their homes during a public health emergency, the Governor signed into law legislation sponsored by Senator Joe Cryan and Senator Nellie Pou that will help to prevent evictions and foreclosures in emergency conditions such as the coronavirus pandemic.

“I applaud the Governor’s swift action in signing this bill into law in the midst of the expanding coronavirus crisis,” said Senator Cryan. “This is a public health emergency that confronts all of us with challenges, especially those who live paycheck to paycheck to support themselves and their families. It would be cruel to allow people to be forced out of their homes due to circumstances beyond their control, such as the pandemic. This is a time to care for our neighbors and fellow citizens.”

“As people work anxiously to keep themselves and their loved ones safe in the face of this pandemic, they should not also have to live in the fear of going homeless,” said Senator Pou.  “The coronavirus has turned life upside down, shuttered businesses, and left particularly low-income workers wondering how they will make ends meet. I am glad the Governor sees the necessity of this legislation and the relief that this law will give to thousands of scared New Jersey families in this uncertain time.”

The law, S-3859/A-3859, will allow the Governor to issue an executive order during a Public Health Emergency or State of Emergency preventing renters, homeowners and lessees from being removed from a residential property as the result of an eviction or foreclosure proceeding. The executive order would remain in effect for no longer than two months following the end of the emergency.

The bill was approved by the Senate earlier today.

###