Housing assistance in New Jersey

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in New Jersey

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in New Jersey

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than 1.5 times one month's rent. Any yearly increase in the deposit is capped at 10% of the current deposit. A pet deposit plus the regular deposit cannot exceed 1.5 months' rent combined, and prepaid 'last month's rent' counts toward the cap.

N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.2

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the lease ends, the landlord must return the deposit plus the tenant's share of interest, minus allowed charges, by personal delivery or registered or certified mail, with itemized deductions. The deadline is shorter (5 business days) when a tenant is displaced by fire, flood, condemnation or evacuation. A court can award double the amount wrongfully withheld, plus costs.

N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

State law does not require a notice to quit before a landlord files an eviction for nonpayment of rent; the landlord can file in court right away. A court judgment is still required before a tenant can be removed. Other grounds require advance written notice (for example, 3 days or 1 month depending on the cause).

N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2

Landlord entry notice

In general, a landlord may not enter without the tenant's consent or a court judgment. For buildings with three or more units, state housing regulations require tenants to allow entry for inspection and maintenance after reasonable notice, which is normally one day; immediate access is allowed in safety or structural emergencies.

N.J.A.C. 5:10-1.2; N.J.S.A. 2A:39-1

Rent increases and rent control

No statewide rent control, but municipalities may adopt rent control or rent leveling ordinances, enforced by local boards. Newly built multiple dwellings are exempt from local rent control for 30 years. Ask your town's rent board or municipal clerk whether your unit is covered.

N.J.S.A. 2A:42-84.5

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Under court decisions (Marini v. Ireland; Berzito v. Gambino), tenants may repair and deduct, or withhold or reduce rent, when a vital facility (e.g., heat, water, toilet, electricity) is defective. The tenant must not have caused the problem and must have notified the landlord (preferably in writing by certified mail) and given reasonable time to fix it. The landlord can still sue, and the court will usually require the rent to be deposited.

Marini v. Ireland, 56 N.J. 130 (1970)

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve New Jersey

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s New Jersey resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. Truth in Renting GuideNew Jersey Department of Community Affairs
2. Security Deposit Law, N.J.S.A. 46:8-19 through 26New Jersey Department of Community Affairs
3. N.J.S.A. 46:8-21.1 Return of deposit (2025)Justia (mirror of New Jersey Revised Statutes)
4. N.J.S.A. 2A:18-61.2 Removal of residential tenants; required notice (2025)Justia (mirror of New Jersey Revised Statutes)
5. Home Energy AssistanceNew Jersey Department of Community Affairs
6. Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher ProgramNew Jersey Department of Community Affairs
7. LSNJLawLegal Services of New Jersey
8. Housing Authority of the City of NewarkHousing Authority of the City of Newark
9. Jersey City Housing AuthorityJersey City Housing Authority
10. Housing Authority of the City of PatersonHousing Authority of the City of Paterson