In response to Governor Murphy signing S-3691 (Stack, Rice, Ruiz), the New Jersey Apartment Association (NJAA) Executive Director David Brogan issued the following statement:

“Senator Brian Stack did a tremendous job bringing together representatives from both tenant and landlord advocacy groups to forge a meaningful compromise. This historic legislation is a comprehensive approach to ending the eviction moratorium while providing tenant protections and additional rental assistance. This law will ensure that as we transition out of the pandemic, landlords are provided certainty regarding when the eviction moratorium will end along with the rent revenue they need to sustain their businesses. At the end of the day, this bill provides and protects housing stability for tenants in need, and ensures that landlords, especially small landlords, are not left in financial ruin.”

Brogan went on to say, “This legislation puts in place the tools to assist both landlords and tenants.  With $500 million in rental assistance from this bill, coupled with the $600 million the state has already received in federal rental assistance, New Jersey can provide $1.1 billion in meaningful assistance to tenants and landlords who need it most. It is imperative that the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provide this assistance as efficiently and effectively as possible. We look forward to working with the Administration to ensure the viability of New Jersey’s housing stock.”

He concluded by saying, “The pandemic has been devastating for both landlords and tenants and we thank Senator Stack for coming to a reasonable compromise that recognizes the struggles of both groups. Landlords and tenants are inextricably linked, and this bill takes into account both perspectives while creating a pragmatic pathway out of this pandemic.”