Housing moratorium in effect amid COVID-19 cases in N.J.

Earlier this month, New Jersey Gov. Murphy enacted a moratorium on removals of individuals who would suffer evictions

or foreclosures in the State.

This was part of the Gov’s continued efforts to help contain the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, and to protect residents who experience immediate financial needs, and thus he took action by signing A-3859 into law.

This current A-3859 law “explicitly provides authority to the Gov. to issue an executive order declaring a moratorium on removing individuals from their homes pursuant to an eviction or foreclosure proceeding,” states an official State of N.J. press release.

Next, the Gov. signed Exec. Order No. 106, which imposes the moratorium.

“The move will ensure that no renter or homeowner is removed from their residence while this Order is in effect,” the press release states.

Similarly, a day prior to N.J. Gov’s moratorium, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac announced that they have suspended all foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days.

“This outbreak affects all of us and we are all in this together,” said Gov. Murphy. “The steps I am outlining…will help those who are suffering financial harm through no fault of their own continue to stay afloat as we work our way through this. They will also bolster public health by ensuring that residents facing eviction or foreclosure can stay in their homes, protecting them against increased risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19.”

The Administrative Office of the Courts and Assembly members Angela McKnight, Holly Schepisi, and Benjie Wimberly; and Senators Joseph Cryan and Nellie Pou sponsored the Assembly Bill No. 3859.

“I applaud the Gov’s swift action in signing this bill into law in the midst of the expanding coronavirus crisis,” said Sen. Joseph Cryan.

“This is a public health emergency that confronts all of us with challenges, especially those who live paycheck to paycheck to support themselves and their families. It would be cruel to allow people to be forced out of their homes due to circumstances beyond anyone’s control, such as the pandemic. This is a time to care for our neighbors and fellow citizens,” he said.