Written by Elizabeth Hurley, Legal Director at The Waterfront Project
A Jersey City senior who has lived in a rent-controlled unit in Jersey City for over 20 years, began withholding their rent in February 2025 after an ongoing gas leak left them hospitalized for gas exposure. Our client’s landlord had neglected the gas leak, and in the months that followed, failed to provide heat, neglected a leaking radiator and pipes that caused flooding in the apartment, failed to install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and failed to repair large ceiling holes that allowed for infestations. Rather than make repairs, their landlord filed an eviction case against her for non-payment of rent.
The Waterfront Project defended our client, asserting their right to withhold rent due to the landlord’s violation of the warranty of habitability. Over the course of several months, we secured all required repairs. After our client completed their trial testimony, the landlord agreed to a 50% abatement for the months of February through December 2025, and our client’s case was recently dismissed.
Why This Matters
No one should have to choose between their health and keeping a roof over their heads. For many seniors living on fixed incomes, unsafe housing conditions can quickly become life-threatening, especially when landlords ignore critical repairs and attempt to force tenants out through eviction.
This case is about more than one apartment; it’s about protecting the rights, safety, and dignity of long-term residents in our community. Through legal advocacy, The Waterfront Project helped ensure that our client could remain safely housed while holding their landlord accountable for dangerous living conditions.
Your support makes cases like this possible. Donations allow us to provide free legal services to tenants facing unsafe housing, wrongful evictions, and housing instability.
Because of supporters like you, we can continue standing beside vulnerable residents when they need it most.
