N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-282
Temporary rental or housing assistance; eligibility
Operative Text
The Department of Community Affairs may establish priorities of eligibility for temporary rental or other housing assistance among the various categories of persons needing assistance in obtaining or retaining housing, including, without limitation, persons subject to immediate eviction for nonpayment of rent, or foreclosure for nonpayment of mortgage installments or property taxes, when nonpayment is attributable to illness, unemployment, underemployment or any other failure of resources beyond the person's control. L.1984, c. 180, s. 4, eff. Nov. 9, 1984.
Under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-282, New Jersey's Department of Community Affairs is authorized to create a priority system for distributing temporary rental and housing assistance. The provision identifies certain groups—such as people facing imminent eviction for unpaid rent or foreclosure due to unpaid mortgage or property taxes—as examples of those who may be prioritized, particularly when financial hardship stems from illness, job loss, underemployment, or other circumstances outside a person's control. The law does not guarantee assistance to any individual but establishes the framework within which the Department may allocate available resources.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in New Jersey should be aware that N.J.S.A. 52:27D-282 empowers the Department of Community Affairs to direct temporary housing assistance toward tenants facing eviction for nonpayment of rent when that nonpayment results from hardship beyond their control. Compliant operators generally stay informed about state assistance programs that may help tenants resolve arrears, since such programs can affect the trajectory of nonpayment situations. Understanding the eligibility priorities the Department may set can help operators anticipate whether a tenant in hardship might qualify for state-administered relief.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 52:27D-282 gives the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs the authority to prioritize people facing eviction for nonpayment of rent—especially when that nonpayment is caused by illness, unemployment, underemployment, or other hardships outside their control—for temporary rental or housing assistance. Tenants who believe they may qualify can explore available programs by contacting the Department of Community Affairs directly or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on the application process. Raising awareness of this provision with a housing counselor or legal aid organization may help tenants understand what assistance options could be available to them.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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