Gov. Murphy Offers More Help To Struggling NJ Renters, Homeowners

NEW JERSEY — Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday he is offering more help to renters and homeowners struggling to make payments amid the new coronavirus pandemic.

"We recognize the anxiety so many feel about looming mortgage and rent payments," Murphy said during his press conference.

Some of the new measures include allowing renters to use their security deposits to pay their rent. He also is encouraging landlords to waive late fees and continue to work with tenants who cannot pay their rent due to the coronavirus.

New Jersey Coronavirus Updates: Don't miss local and statewide announcements about novel coronavirus precautions. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.

"We are all in this together. Tenants and landlords. And we can only emerge stronger when no one, and I mean no one, fears for their home or residence," Murphy said.

A Frequently Asked Question(FAQ) section at covid19.nj.gov/forms/renter was also unveiled for tenants and landlords about their rights and responsibilities. An additional page for homeowners taking advantage of mortgage forbearance will also be launched at covid19.nj.gov.

As part of the mortgage forbearance agreement, Murphy said his expectation is that lenders will tack on late payments at end of the loan instead of the 90 day forbearance period.

As of Friday Murphy said there are 3,047 new cases and 253 deaths in New Jersey bringing the total to 102,196 cases and 5,617 deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.