Latest NJ Eviction & Foreclosure Moratorium Update

Q: Gerald, I heard that the NJ Gov. extended the eviction and foreclosure moratoriums again, is that true? Cassidy, Weehawken, NJ

A: Under the first of two laws NJ Gov. Murphy signed in the first week of August, 2021 renters making less than 80% of the area’s median income will be shielded from eviction through Dec. 31, 2021 for rent owed between March 2020 and Dec. 31, 2021. Renters with income above 80% of the median income will see the eviction moratorium come to an end on Aug. 31, 2021.  The measure the Gov. signed surprisingly had bipartisan support and was praised by both housing advocates and landlord groups like the NJ Apartment Association. 

For tenants who certify that they can’t make rent payments due to the pandemic and meet other criteria, courts will dismiss eviction cases for nonpayment of rent or failure to pay rent increases between March 2020 and Aug. 31, 2021. Rent for that period will become civil debt that cannot be reported to creditors or be used to deny future housing.  I know one landlord who has already successfully sued for lost rent in civil court.  The foreclosure moratorium for New Jersey homeowners is now slated to end Nov. 15.  As with most related to the COVID-19 pandemic, everything is subject to change, but I will as always keep you posted. Thanks for your question, Cassidy

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