From the beginning of this pandemic, NJAA knew a tenant’s ability to pay rent could be impacted by the massive changes brought on by COVID-19. Working with lawmakers, NJAA strongly lobbied the state to provide rental assistance to tenants in need.
This webpage serves as a comprehensive resource of available state and local rental assistance programs across New Jersey. The details and eligibility requirements of each program do vary. As such, we have provided a brief description, along with a direct link to each program for more information. The list will be updated as more programs and information become available, but please connect with the administrators of each program to receive the most up-to-date information.
State of New Jersey Assistance Program
From March 22, 2021 through December 15, 2021, the State of New Jersey accepted applications for its COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program Phase II (CVERAP-II) and it’s extension, the Eviction Protection Program (EPP).
The waiting list for both programs are currently closed. If you already submitted a pre-application for CVERAP2/EPP prior to the closing of the programs and are contacted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA), please follow the application instructions you are given. If you have questions and need to speak with DCA, please contact their Client Call Center at 609-490-4550.
If you haven’t yet previously submitted a pre-application and are in need of help in paying rent arrears or future rental assistance, we encourage tenants to submit a pre-application here to be considered for funding if the DCA receives more funding in the future.
Please also check with your municipality and county of residence for available funding. We’ve listed the county and municipal emergency rental assistance programs we are aware of below.
County and Municipal Rental Assistance Programs
Some county and municipal governments have created rental assistance programs to assist tenants that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. NJAA has compiled a list of these programs, by county, below for our members and their residents.
Atlantic County
The Atlantic County COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Grant Program will provide temporary rental assistance, for up to 12 months, to low- and moderate-income households that have suffered a COVID hardship. To be eligible for this program, you must be an Atlantic County resident who can prove that they suffered an economic hardship because of COVID-19 or its aftermath. The applicant’s household income must also meet the HUD low- and moderate-income limits for the county. The deadline for this program is November 1, 2022 and funding can’t be guaranteed. To learn more about eligibility requirements and apply, visit here.
Bergen County
Bergen County is providing financial relief to eligible 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 for up to 12 months of owed rental arrears. Learn more about Bergen County’s program here.
Burlington County
Burlington County’s emergency rental assistance program is currently closed. If you need assistance with paying your rent or other bills like utilities, please contact the Burlington County Board of Social Services.
Camden County
The Camden County Recovers Program is available to Camden County renters who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible households may receive up to 18 months of assistance, plus an additional 3 months if the grantee determines the extra months are needed to ensure housing stability and grantee funds are available. The payment of existing housing-related arrears that could result in eviction is prioritized. Both landlords and tenants may apply for this program – if landlords apply, they must receive the consent of their tenants. To learn more and apply, click here.
Cape May County
The Cape May County CDBG-CV Short Term Emergency Mortgage and Rental Assistance Grant Program will provide temporary mortgage or rental assistance, for up to six months, to low- and moderate income households that have had a substantial reduction in income or became unemployed due the COVID-19 pandemic. Applicants may be eligible for a grant for a maximum of up to six months of emergency rental or mortgage assistance. Current annualized household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Cape May County for the size of the applicant household. For more information on this program; and to apply, please click here.
Essex County
Essex County has assistance available for renters and landlords impacted by the pandemic. Those eligible to apply for the funds include individuals or families impacted by COVID-19 through unemployment, decreased household income or those confronted with some other financial hardship. Eligible applicants must be at or below 80% of the area median income set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To access the application and learn more, please use Essex County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Portal available here.
City of Newark
The City of Newark did have emergency rental assistance available in 2021, but due to the success of the program, the application window is now closed. To learn more about the program and receive updates directly from the City of Newark on potential future funding, please visit their website. Newark residents still qualify for the Essex County rental assistance programs.
Gloucester County
Gloucester County has received funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury to provide rental relief to landlords and tenants through the Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance Program. The program provides financial assistance for unpaid rent and/or utility bills for low- and moderate-income renter households in Gloucester County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds can be used for rental and utility arrears and temporary rental assistance. To learn more about eligibility and to apply, click here.
Hudson County
Hudson County’s Emergency Rental Assistance 2 Program can provide back rent and/or utility assistance for households who have fallen behind as a result of COVID-19. Landlords may not apply to Hudson County’s program on behalf of their tenants. To learn more about upcoming deadlines and access the rental portal, please click here.
City of Jersey City
The Jersey City COVID-19 Rent Relief Program is a lottery system. Application periods have closed and re-opened at various times and we encourage renters and landlords to check Jersey City’s rental relief website often for the most up-to-date information.
City of Hoboken
The City of Hoboken’s rental assistance application window is currently closed. We encourage tenants and landlords to email HobokenRentalAssistGrant@hobokennj.gov and check this webpage often for more information.
Mercer County
The Mercer County Department of Human Services is providing financial assistance toward unpaid rent or utility bills for renter households in Mercer County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all funds are expended. Mercer County households are required to document that someone within the household qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, suffered major costs directly or indirectly due to COVID-19 that impacted the household, and can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability. A household’s income must be at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) with priority given to households at or below 30% AMI. Click here to learn more and apply.
Hamilton Township
The Hamilton Township Mortgage and Rental Relief Assistance Program provided temporary rental and mortgage assistance to residents, businesses and landlords in Hamilton Township due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for this program are currently closed and we encourage you to visit Hamilton Township’s website or call 609-586-0311 to learn more.
Middlesex County
As of May 3, 2021, the Middlesex County Emergency Rental Assistance Program (MCERAP) is live and accepting applications for assistance. Renter households in need of assistance may submit their application and required documentation via the MCERAP online application portal. The MCERAP is funded by a $24.6 million grant from the federal government. Funding will be distributed on a priority basis. For more information, please click here.
Monmouth County
Monmouth County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) allows eligible households to receive up to $30,000 for rental costs incurred on or after March 13, 2020. The Monmouth County ERAP applications can include rental arrears; prospective rent up to three months to prevent homelessness or housing instability; and household-related expenses such as relocation fees, late fees associated with rental payments and security deposits. To learn more about availability of funds and how to apply, click here.
Morris County
Morris County’s emergency rental assistance program is currently closed. If you are in need of assistance paying your rent or other bills like utilities, please contact the Morris County Department of Human Services.
Ocean County
Applications for the Ocean County Residential Emergency Rental Assistance Program (RERAP 2.0) are not currently being accepted. Please visit this website and check back often for more information on eligibility and the application process. If you have submitted an application for emergency rental assistance in Ocean City’s first round, processing support is still available by calling 1-833-753-9671.
Passaic County
Funds for the Passaic County’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) are not currently available, but residents of the county are encouraged to still apply as you will be placed on a waiting list should funds become available. Landlords and tenants can both apply to this program. To learn more and apply, visit here.
Somerset County
Somerset County’s Emergency Rental Relief Program (ERAP) is not currently taking applications but you can sign up for updates on the availability of future rental assistance funds here. If you have questions about the program please contact the county directly at ERAP@co.somerset.nj.us or by calling 908-231-7128.
Franklin Township
Franklin Township’s emergency rent relief program will provide up to $3,000 in rental assistance that will be paid directly to the landlord on behalf of eligible families. Franklin Township residents must have been current on their rent through March 20, 2020, have a current lease/rent agreement, and have experienced a COVID-19 related loss of income. To learn more and apply, click here.
Union County
Union County’s application for its Emergency Rental Assistance program is temporarily closed. Tenants and landlords can join a waitlist to get notified via email or text when the application re-opens. To join the waitlist, visit here.