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The Barriers to Home Ownership for Millennials and What The Waterfront Project Can DoÂ
By Maria Mascola, HUD Certified Foreclosure Specialist The Waterfront Project is a free clinic helping in both Pre-Purchase and Post-Purchase Counseling. We understand the current difficulties due to the economy, rising housing costs, and interest rates that are affecting so many people’s ability to cross over from renting to homeownership. Working together, we can assist
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What Are My Rights as a Tenant in New Jersey?
At The Waterfront Project, we often hear from tenants who feel powerless when facing an eviction notice, unsafe housing conditions, or sudden rent increases. The truth is: tenants in New Jersey have strong legal rights—but too often, those rights go unprotected because people don’t know them or don’t have access to an attorney. Housing is
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Addressing Recent Housing News: Jersey City Strengthens Rent Control Enforcement
On September 30, the Jersey City Council unanimously passed two ordinances to strengthen rent control enforcement and increase transparency for tenants. A third ordinance, which would clarify exemptions under state rent control law, was sent back to first reading for further review. These steps mark important progress toward holding landlords accountable and protecting tenants from
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The Waterfront Project’s Attorneys Stop Next-Day Eviction and Secure $2,300.00 Credit from Excess Security Deposit Charge
By Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director of The Waterfront Project Ms. C. came to The Waterfront Project’s offices late in the afternoon with a Warrant for Removal stating she would be evicted the following morning. She had previously signed a settlement agreement to resolve her eviction case with a payment plan towards rental arrears but did
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What is a “Zombie” Second Mortgage?
By Patricia Ellams, Foreclosure Specialist at The Waterfront Project Zombie Mortgage Loan foreclosures are on the rise in New Jersey. If you’ve recently discovered along-forgotten second mortgage or Home Equity Line of Credit coming back to haunt you, it’simportant to understand your rights. Can I Lose My Home to a Zombie Mortgage? Yes, it’s possible
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Addressing Recent Housing News in Newark, New Jersey: What a 30% Drop in Unsheltered Homelessness Means for Housing Justice
In a moment of deep housing insecurity across New Jersey, one story stands out as a beacon of hope: Newark has reduced unsheltered homelessness by more than 30% in just four years. This achievement, led by the city and Essex County’s coordinated Office of Homeless Services, shows that systemic change is possible when communities invest
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The Waterfront Project’s Attorneys Reverse Eviction of 10-Year Tenant with Rent Control
Written by Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director of The Waterfront Project The Waterfront Project’s attorneys met Mr. J. in court on a Wednesday after he had been evicted two days earlier from his rent-controlled apartment of 10 years. Mr. J. explained that he had been approved for rental assistance from Hudson County Department of Family Services
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Protecting Tenants and Homeowners in 1–4 Family Owner-Occupied Properties Facing Foreclosure
Written by William “Bill” Paige, Foreclosure Specialist- HUD Certified Housing Counselor The foreclosure process in New Jersey is complex, often misunderstood, and has far-reaching implications—not only for homeowners but also for renters residing in small, owner-occupied properties. At The Waterfront Project, Inc., our HUD-certified foreclosure counselors are at the forefront of efforts to provide vital support
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Client Success Story – Winning the Fight Against Illegal Apartment
By Stefany Perez, HUD Certified Housing Counselor  A client contacted The Waterfront Project about living in an illegal apartment with poor conditions. After coordinating with the client to have the property inspected, it was confirmed that the unit was indeed illegal. I contacted the landlord and demanded relocation assistance on behalf of our client, as
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Happy Homeownership Month! – June 2025
By Maria Mascola, WFP HUD-Certified Housing Counselor and Foreclosure Specialist Here at The Waterfront Project (WFP), we believe that Housing is a Human Right! With June being Homeownership Month, we want to remind you that The WFP is here to assist you through this process. Reach out to one of our HUD-Certified Housing Counselors to help navigate your best options at reaching this fundamental human right. Every family deserves the opportunity to reap the benefits of homeownership—from building
