For Many In Newark, Struggle To Pay Rent Predates Coronavirus

NEWARK, NJ — For many Newark residents, the struggle to pay the rent began long before the coronavirus pandemic. But now it’s breaking their backs – and they may end up losing their homes, advocates say.

On Wednesday, Gov. Phil Murphy signed legislation that will gradually phase out the state's existing eviction ban, which began at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. It was previously slated to expire for all residents on Jan. 1, 2022.

The new law will keep that deadline for lower-income households, while shortening it for those who make more money. Read More: NJ COVID Eviction Law Is Game Changer For Renters, Landlords

The reborn eviction ban is expected to impact people across the state. In April, administrators with the New Jersey court system said they're bracing for an explosion of coronavirus-related eviction cases, with nearly 200,000 new filings expected by the end of the year. Read More: NJ Courts Prepare For Onslaught Of Coronavirus Eviction Cases

And that includes Newark, where an estimated three out of four people rent their home.

The city had already seen more than its fair share of evictions before the pandemic hit. In 2019, officials said that out of 38,000 eviction actions filed annually in Essex County, Newark saw about 20,000.

It’s been a serious problem for New Jersey’s largest city. Just ask state Sen. Ronald Rice, who represents the 28th district.

“As a long-time Newark resident, I understand the struggles most families are going through and have dealt with long before the pandemic,” Rice said Wednesday, commenting on the bill signing.

“Large majorities of Newark residents are renters, and a significant portion of that group was rent-burdened even before the pandemic started,” Rice said. “And yet, they are a portion of all New Jersey renters who owe about $2 billion in back-rent and utilities.”

The senator said there are “countless numbers” of other cities and towns across the state that also have struggling renters.

“Simultaneously, I recognize many landlords are at risk of foreclosure or bankruptcy due to uncollected rent,” Rice added. “Any loss of residential properties would be catastrophic to both tenants and the municipalities. This is why we introduced this bill we want to be decisive and prevent both evictions and foreclosures.”

Sen. Teresa Ruiz of the 29th district, another sponsor of the new eviction law, also said that many Newark residents have struggled to pay their rents during the pandemic.

“Residents here in Newark and around the state were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in unemployment and a loss of income for many,” Ruiz said.

“Tenants have been unable to make rent and will face eviction when the moratorium is lifted if there is not a plan in place,” she added. “Many are struggling to figure out how to make up for past rent payments as the state begins to re-open over a year after the declaration of the state of emergency. Individuals should not have to worry about being displaced as the state, itself, is working to get back on its feet.”

“This program, coupled with my court navigation legislation, will divert residents away from eviction court while providing them a means of rent assistance and ensuring property owners are able to recuperate the money lost due to missed payments,” Ruiz said.

• See related article: 3 Ways Newark Is Helping Tenants Cope With Coronavirus Crisis
• See related article: Newark Trying To Add Housing For Families Earning Under $32,000
• See related article: Newark Will Use $14M In Federal Aid To Help Renters, Landlords

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