NJAA URGES RAMP-UP OF THE ‘EVICTION PREVENTION PROGRAM’ AS APPLICATION WINDOW FOR COVID-19 EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM CLOSES

(MONROE TOWNSHIP, NJ) – As the state eviction moratorium nears its end and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA) closes the application window for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II, the New Jersey Apartment Association’s (NJAA’s) executive director David Brogan released the following statement:

“Today, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) is closing the application process for the COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II (CVERAP II), but there continues to be opportunities for tenants to access rental assistance funds in New Jersey. The NJAA worked with Senator Brian Stack to get the most comprehensive rental assistance bill in the nation signed into law (S-3691). Under that law, the eviction moratorium ended in August for some tenants and will end December 31 for low- and moderate-income tenants. The law also ensured that rental debt accumulated during the pandemic can never be the basis for an eviction, and it created and funded the “Eviction Prevention Program,” as a supplement to CVERAP II. The $500 million allocation to this program is in addition to New Jersey’s allocation under the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program. These funds have not yet been disbursed but they are available, and that process should begin now,” said Mr. Brogan.

He continued, “As we look toward 2022, we urge all landlords to work with their tenants on repayment plans, and we urge all tenants to pay their rent so landlords can operate and maintain their buildings. At the same time, we urge the DCA to continue providing rental assistance to those who need it by ramping up the newly-created Eviction Prevention Program. At the end of the day, landlords and tenants are inextricably linked. While no one could have predicted the impact this virus would have on our society, we can only weather this storm by working together. Through the passage of S-3691, the Legislature and the Governor established unprecedented funding to assist tenants not only during the height of the pandemic, but for years to come, and we commend them for their foresight. We urge the Governor and the DCA to shift from CVERAP II to the Eviction Prevention Program and continue helping tenants now and in the future.”

The New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) is the premier trade association representing all facets of the multifamily housing industry, including market rate and affordable housing owners, managers and developers, as well as suppliers. NJAA’s membership owns and manages over 220,000 apartments, providing quality housing to over one million New Jerseyans. 

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