Tenant Advocates Will Rally In Hudson County Wednesday Over New Eviction Law

HUDSON COUNTY, NJ — Jersey City and Hoboken now have among the highest rents in New Jersey right now, which gives landlords an incentive to evict tenants.

However, New Jersey law says that landlords can only undertake lease non-renewals and evictions under certain circumstances (and this applies to all buildings, not just rent-controlled).

Still, some landlords have told tenants they won't renew their lease, offering no reason. And a tenant may not have the money or knowledge to fight in court.

RELATED: Tenants Fight Back In Jersey City And Hoboken

Recently, Jersey City residents have said they've heard of superintendents in buildings run by one particular management company being forced out after living there for many years, even though these workers raised families there and have protections. (See the list of reasons New Jersey landlords can evict tenants or fail to renew a lease here.)

Last year, a group in Jersey City urged the city to pass a "right to counsel" law like a law in New York City, allowing tenants to get free legal help when faced with an eviction.

Last week, the administration of Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said he and three council people were supporting a new right-to-counsel law to be introduced in the City Council, and paid by a developers' affordable housing fund.

This Wednesday, the Right-to-Counsel Campaign in Jersey City will gather at the City Council meeting for a rally and show of support before the ordinance's first reading.

They will gather at 6 p.m. at City Hall.

Tenants, community organizers, and coalition partners will be there, they said.

The Right to Counsel campaign is a grassroots effort led by the Hudson County Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) branch and the ordinance has support from Councilmembers James Solomon, Frank Gilmore, and Yousef Saleh, they noted.

"The right-to-counsel is the legal guarantee that a tenant will be granted representation by an attorney in cases of eviction," the organizers said in a release. "Right now, if a tenant in Jersey City is being evicted, they are not automatically entitled the right to representation in court. This leaves everyday working people vulnerable to losing their homes because they are unable to challenge their landlords’ decisions."

"This campaign’s goal is to implement a citywide guarantee where all renters will be provided with representation in cases of eviction, without any barriers. We encourage campaign organizers and supporters to come and speak at this event to demand that this program be passed."

The meeting will be held at 280 Grove St., Jersey City.

Many Ways To Push Tenants Out

The organizers noted that landlords can force tenants out in many ways, including leaving things broken.

"This policy recognizes that people can be forced out of their homes in many ways and provides representation in all of those circumstances," they said, "including for those who have received an order of eviction from their landlord or face unaddressed code violations or discriminatory treatment."

Before New York City implemented their own policy, 95 percent of landlords had representation during these cases, when less than 1 percent of tenants did, they said.

Tenants forced to move out of an apartment may have trouble finding another one in these times, when many people are competing for apartments in the area and only the person with the best credit score may get one.

"This issue is about economic and racial justice," the organizers said. "Neighborhoods targeted by developers are often overwhelmingly Black, Latinx, and working class, and face the highest rates of evictions. Evictions lead to involuntary moves or even homelessness, making it difficult for people and families to access employment, education, and securing future housing."

"We are building citywide solidarity in order to establish Right-to-Counsel and empower every person who lives here to stand up for their rights. This grassroots campaign is run in coalition with several allied partners and local organizations to beat back against landlords, developers, and their control over our politicians. Our campaign includes canvassing, phonebanks, policy research, and the work of volunteers across the city."

Last Tuesday, Councilmember Saleh said, "People can’t afford to pay skyrocketing rents, leaving more families at risk of eviction—while developers continue to get away with making record profits at our expense

What About Local Rent Increases?

There are local and state laws about rent increases as well, and not just for rent controlled units. Read more about recent rent hike controversies here: Tenants Fight Back In Jersey City and Hoboken