Eviction Defense in New Jersey

At The Waterfront Project, Inc., our Eviction Defense Program is at the heart of our mission to prevent homelessness and protect tenants’ rights. In Northern New Jersey, where rising rents and housing insecurity disproportionately affect low-income families, our attorneys and housing counselors work tirelessly to ensure no one is unfairly displaced from their home.

Why It Matters

Evictions devastate families and are costly to communities. Preventing even one eviction means:

· Save families from homelessness

· Reduce the strain on emergency shelter systems

· Promote safer, more stable neighborhoods

Our Impact in the Last 12 Months

We focus on serving the most vulnerable, particularly households with extremely low incomes and women-led households.

Outcomes from our 2,000 eviction defense cases in the past year

53% required legal representation

20% of cases were dismissed prior to trial

21% were tried and dismissed in court

How We Help

Free Legal Representation

Our attorneys provide free legal counsel: defending tenants in court, negotiating with landlords, and advocating for fair outcomes.

Rental Assistance Navigation

We help clients apply for New Jersey rent relief programs and eviction moratorium protections.

Housing Counseling & Budgeting

Our housing counselors support tenants with financial planning and payment negotiations.

Know-Your-Rights Education

We host community workshops to educate residents on tenant rights, lease protections, and eviction timelines.

Client Spotlight

“I was served a seven-day eviction notice. I had no idea what to do. The team at The Waterfront Project worked quickly, represented me in court, and helped me stay in my apartment with my children."

Francis, WFP Client

How You Can Help

Your donation directly supports free legal services for tenants in crisis:

· $25 pays for court filing fees

· $100 funds a legal consult

· $500 supports a full eviction case