With no sign of an end to the COVID-19 pandemic in sight, paying rent has been difficult for many residents who are currently out of work or facing income loss. In some Hudson County municipalities, a freeze was put on rent increases to help residents deal with the issue.
In North Bergen, the Board of Commissioners and Mayor Nicholas Sacco are looking to extend the current rent increase moratorium. The board recently introduced an ordinance that would extend the rent increase moratorium until November.
In May, the commissioners adopted the current ordinance enacting a moratorium, or freeze, on rent increases during the pandemic.
Efforts to protect renters
The ordinance prevents landlords from increasing rent on rent-controlled properties, including charges for parking, pets, or any other fees associated with dwelling units.
The rent freeze came after a resolution was signed during the April 22 commissioners meeting, urging all township landlords to refrain from raising rents and other fees.
“This pandemic has affected all of us in different ways,” Sacco said. “Enacting this rent freeze protects local renters during an incredibly difficult time. We will continue to do everything in our power to ease the burden on our residents, particularly the most vulnerable. Working together is the only way we can overcome this pandemic.”
Under the new ordinance, the North Bergen rent freeze would remain in effect until November 1.
Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Murphy issued an executive order in March placing a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures that would prevent tenants from being removed from their homes. The eviction moratorium will last until two months after Murphy declares an end to the COVID-19 health crisis.
Eviction court proceedings have been halted by the New Jersey Supreme Court due to COVID-19.
The ordinance extending the rent freeze will most likely be adopted at the next commissioners meeting on August 12 at 11 a.m. at the Municipal Building at 4233 Kennedy Blvd.
For updates on this and other stories, check www.hudsonreporter.com and follow us on Twitter @hudson_reporter. Daniel Israel can be reached at disrael@hudsonreporter.com.
