COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

New Jersey Eviction Protection Process

To be protected from eviction, you MUST self-certify right now. The CDC eviction protection self-certification will no longer protect you. Please make sure to fill out the self-certification form to ensure protection.

 

New Jersey has created a process that may help prevent you from being evicted or removed from where you are living. Pursuant to recently enacted legislation, if you submit the NJ Self-Certification Form (online) and if you are eligible you may be protected from being evicted or removed from where you are living at any time for past due rent accrued between March 1, 2020 and either August 31, 2021, or December 31, 2021, depending on your income.

This self-certification tool will help you understand which protections you may be eligible for, allow you to submit a self-certification of your income to the courts, and send you a copy of that form that can be kept in your records and shared with your landlord. For more information about state and federal rental protections, visit covid19.nj.gov/renter.

You should complete the Self-Certification Form (online) as soon as possible. If you are not able to do so online, you may call 609-490-4550 for assistance.

Steps to Protect NJ Renter's from Eviction - Housing Help NJ

StepInstructionsLink/Program Name
1.Complete the NJ Eviction and Homelessness Prevention CertificationNJ Renter Self-Certification Process and FAQs (online)
2.Apply for emergency rental assistance. Specifics about the programs listed below.
  • HIP Program
  • New Jersey COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CVERAP) Phase II
  • Mercer County Emergency Rental Assitance Program (ERAP) 
  • Arm In Arm


Download the Princeton Emergency Rental Assistance Program Guide (PDF)

COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Programs


Programas De Emergencia Para La Assistencia Del Pago De Alguiler

Princeton Program

SourceHousing Initiatives of Princeton (HIP)
Program NameCDBG Emergency Rental Assistance Program
DescriptionThe HIP Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides temporary rental assistance to low and moderate-income households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Information609-921-2328
Websitehttps://housinginitiativesofprinceton.org/
Application - Englishhttps://seam.ly/U8cTQQHb
Eligibility
  • You must reside in Princeton
  • Inability to pay rent has been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Must provide a signed lease and completed application
Application - Spanish https://seam.ly/NccsVV5M
Eligibility
  • Ser residente de Princeton
  • No poder pagar el alquiler a causa de la pandemic del Covid
  • Pede proporcionar un contrato de arrendamiento firmado y completar una solicitud en linea

New Jersey State Programs

SourceThe New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
Program NameCOVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance (CVERAP) Phase II
DescriptionThe COVID-19 Emergency Rental Assistance Program (CVERAP) Phase II provides temporary rental assistance to low-moderate income households affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Contact Information
  • NJ Department of Community Affairs
  • P.o. Box 460, Trenton, NJ 08603
  • 609-490-4550
  • Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
Spanish WebsiteBIENVENIDO AL PORTAL DEL PROGRAMA NJ-DCA
English WebsiteNJ DCA Portal
Other LanguagesNJ Department of Community Affairs
How to Apply VideoHow Tenants Can Apply for CVERAP (Video)
How to Apply 
  • Apply online at the DCA's portal
  • Applications are online only. You can use a computer, laptop, smartphone or tablet.
  • Only one application per household will be accepted. Duplicates will be rejected. 
  • You must provide an email address. If you do not have one, the application process will allow you to create one. 
  • You must also provide names, birthdates, and income information for everyone in your household; landlord information; any current or previous housing assistance received; evidence that you fulfill the eligibility requirements; a lease agreement; and proof of rent owed. 
Income LimitsMaximum Income Limits (online) 
Required DocumentsRequired Documents - Phase II (online)
FAQ'sFrequently Asked Questions (online)

Mercer County Programs

SourceEmergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
DescriptionThe Mercer County Department of Human Services has received funds from the U.S. Department of Treasury to provide rental relief to landlords and tenants in our community through the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP).
In partnership with the Mercer County Board of Social Services (MCBOSS), the Mercer County Department of Human Services, through its Office on Homeless Services, is re-opening this program to provide financial assistance toward unpaid rent or utility bills for renter households in Mercer County that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Beginning August 1, 2021, applications are being accepted on an ongoing basis until funds are expended. 
Contact InformationFor more information, contact the Mercer County Board of Social Services at 609-389-3575 or email erap@mcboss.org
Social workers from the Board are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm to assist your household. 
WebsiteEmergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) - Mercer County, NJ
Spanish ApplicationSolicitud de Fase II del Programa de Asistencia de Alquiler de Emergencia de ERAP (ERAP) (online)
English ApplicationERAP Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Phase II Application (online)
How to Apply
  • To determine eligibility, Mercer County households are required to document that someone within the household qualified for unemployment benefits, experienced a reduction in income, suffered major costs directly or indirectly due to COVID-19 that impacted the household, and can demonstrate a risk of homelessness or housing instability. 
  • A household's income must be at or below 80%. Area Median Income (AMI) with priority given to households at or below 30% AMI. 
  • If you are in need of assistance with unpaid rent or utilities, you are encouraged to complete an application online. 
Maximum Income LimitsMaximum Income Limit chart for Rental Assistance (JPG)
Required DocumentsFor your convenience, you can upload the required documentation, which determines eligibility:
  • Proof of reduction of income after March 16, 2020.
  • Proof of current income.
  • Proof of up to 12 months back rent prior to April 1, 2021.
  • Proof of up to 12 months back utilities, if requested. 
Special Instructions
  • Applicants have the opportunity to upload required documents
  • Please gather all required documents before submitting your application. Once your completed package is submitted, no additional documentation can be uploaded. 
  • If assistance is needed with the submission of documents, please call 609-389-3675.
SourceArm in Arm, Inc.
Website - Englishhttps://Arminarm.org
Website - Spanishhttps://arminaram.org
Contact InformationArm in Arm staff will be available to intake clients remotely via phone Mondays through Thursdays from 9:00 am - 3:30 pm. Please call 609-396-9655 ext. 11. You may be prompted to leave a message. Please provide your full name, complete address (including city), and the best number to return your call. Staff will contact you for an eligibility pre-screening. 
Emailhp@arminarm.org
Eligibility Questions
  • I am facing an imminent threat of homelessness
  • I am a Mercer County resident
  • My annual income does not exceed 2.5 times the federal poverty level for my household size
  • I have found or plan to stay in housing that I can continue to afford (my monthly rent or mortgage payments are less than 70% of my net monthly income)
  • I agree to provide a portion of the amount owed
Important InformationArm In Arm can provide financial assistance to an individual only once in a calendar year and up to two times in five years. Completing the intake process does not guarantee assistance.