New Jersey Senate Bill S711

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes "Guaranteed Rental Payment Pilot Program" for certain low-income tenants; appropriates $10,000,000.

Impact

The Guaranteed Rental Payment Fund will serve as a financial lifeline for landlords whose tenants fail to meet rental obligations. If a participant tenant defaults, DCA will reimburse landlords for the missed payments through this fund. This initiative is particularly significant in maximizing housing opportunities and aims to reduce barriers for tenants with lower credit ratings by ensuring that landlords do not incur losses due to defaults. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of tenant rights, as tenants will be notified of any fund payments made on their behalf and will be obligated to repay the fund within a specified time frame.

Summary

Senate Bill 711 establishes the 'Guaranteed Rental Payment Pilot Program' aimed at assisting low-income tenants who experience issues related to making rental payments, particularly those with inadequate credit histories. This pilot program will be administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) and is designed to assess how credit ratings affect tenant performance, specifically in making required rental payments. The legislation includes the selection of 1,000 low or moderate-income households eligible for rental assistance, primarily through the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP) or the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, after completing a housing and credit counseling program.

Contention

One notable aspect of the bill is its interaction with existing laws concerning tenant eviction rights. While landlords are assured payment through the pilot program, they retain the right to evict tenants for non-payment or other lease violations, which critics may argue undermines the bill's protective intentions. The legislation also prompts discussions around the administrative processes involved, including regulations that DCA must establish to oversee the implementation of the pilot program. Concerns may arise regarding the effectiveness of the program in preventing evictions and sustaining housing security for low-income families facing credit challenges.