Residents of the state of New Jersey have numerous helpful programs they can turn to if they need help paying their rent. There are several New Jersey rental assistance programs provided that will help people get caught up on their rent, as well as get paid ahead. The rental assistance that the programs provide never has to be paid back, making it an ideal solution to avoid eviction. Apply directly with each program to see about getting rental assistance.
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) – The largest federal agency that provides help with housing, HUD offers New Jersey rental assistance. They have several programs to help people with their housing needs, including a voucher program, which allows people to live wherever they want in the state and receive help paying the rent. They also offer public housing, which gives people a place to live that is government owned. Their programs will also help homeowners to avoid foreclosure, as well as provides homeowners and renters with weatherization services and help paying for essential home repairs. If you need help to avoid being evicted or to locate a more affordable place to live, HUD may be able to provide assistance. To qualify for HUD programs, you have to have a low income.
Department of Community Affairs – This organization provides New Jersey rental assistance for those who have fallen behind. To qualify, you have to show that you had a disruption in your income due to no fault of your own, and that you meet the income guidelines that the program follows. If approved, the program will pay for up to 12 months of past due rent. They will also help pay for past due utility bills. Those who apply must be New Jersey residents and have a household income of at or below 80 percent of the area median income. All grants are paid directly to the landlord on the tenant’s behalf. You will have to submit documentation when applying, including showing your lease and landlord information. You can apply for this New Jersey rental assistance online.
New Jersey Department of Community Affairs – This government agency provides help to avoid evictions. Their rental assistance programs will help you pay past due rent and pays it months ahead. The program is for low-to-moderate income households. In addition to providing New Jersey rental assistance, the program will also help pay for past due utility bills. If approved you may be able to get up to 15 months of past due rent paid for through this program. To qualify, you have to meet the income requirements, which include earning no more than 120% of the area median income. You can apply for the housing assistance online. You will need to provide documentation regarding your identity, address, and income. The funds you receive from this program never have to be paid back.
New Jersey Apartment Association – If you live in an apartment and need rental assistance this organization may be able to help. They provide New Jersey rental assistance for those who live in apartments and have fallen behind. They will also provide assistance to landlords who have tenants living in their place who are struggling to pay for their rent. Those who are approved for the program can receive up to 12 months worth of help paying for past due rent and utilities. This program is open to those who are residents of the state. They will help you locate additional rental assistance programs, depending on the county that you live in.
Hudson County Housing Resource Center – Those who live in Hudson County may be able to get rental assistance through this agency. They will help with locate affordable housing, rental assistance, and helping people financially budget for their rent and housing needs. The rental assistance program they offer is voucher based, which means you can live wherever you want in Hudson County and be able to still get the assistance. You can apply for the program online.
Catholic Charities – This organization helps many people around the country with a variety of programs. They help provide people with food, clothing, paying bills, shelter, addiction counseling services, and more. They will also help with emergency rental assistance to help you avoid being evicted. They have locations around the country, so you will need to apply with the one that is closest to where you live. They don’t typically have strict qualification requirements that have to be met in order to get help. Their programs are open to everyone the community in need of help.
Division of Housing and Community Resources – This organization provides access to numerous helpful programs, including New Jersey rental assistance. To see if you qualify, you can take their two minute online assessment, answering the questions about your current situation. In addition to rental assistance, they will help with paying utility bills and providing help with other financial services. They will also help people with free weatherization services, which will make your home more energy efficient and reduce monthly utility bills. Their mission is to help people avoid homelessness and be able to find affordable housing.