Advocates Applaud Essential Pandemic Relief for Renters and Landlords, Lead Poisoning Prevention, and Full Investment in the Affordable Housing Trust Fund

The New Jersey Senate and Assembly today voted to send Governor Murphy a series of bills that provide relief to tenants and landlords impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, protect residents from toxic lead poisoning, and preserve full funding of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund to create affordable homes for lower income residents. On today’s votes, Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey’s (the Network) President and Chief Executive Officer Staci Berger issued the following statement:

“The NJ Legislature delivered a win-win for our residents and communities today. Over the last year and a half, our state has faced an unprecedented challenge that has threatened our future health and security. The bills that await the governor’s signature will give residents the tools needed to build a thriving post-pandemic economy, so that everyone can afford to call New Jersey home.

“We thank and congratulate all of the elected officials who worked hard to make this happen including Governor Murphy, Lieutenant Governor Oliver, Senate President Sweeney and Speaker Coughlin and all the legislative champions. We look forward to the governor signing these bills into law so that renters and landlords impacted by the pandemic have a fair path forward, children will no longer be used as lead detectors, and our state will have a critical resource to help create affordable homes for our most vulnerable residents. Our post-pandemic recovery will not be easy but we are on the road to one that is bright and equitable.”

The following bills now await to be signed into law by Governor Murphy:

S1147/A1372 requires lead paint inspections and tenant turnover and will establish educational programs about lead paint poisoning.

S3691/A4685 provides certain protections for tenants and landlords impacted by the pandemic and outlines eviction parameters.

S3955/A5905 establishes the “Rental Assistance Navigation Program” to facilitate the prevention of residential evictions due to nonpayment during the pandemic.

S2022/A5870 the fiscal year 2022 state budget preserves full funding of New Jersey’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and proposes to pay for other, non-AHTF programs from general revenue.

About the Housing and Community Development Network of NJ
The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is the statewide association of more than 250 community development corporations, individuals and other organizations that support the creation of affordable homes, economic opportunities, and strong communities. For more information on the Network, visit www.hcdnnj.org.