-
Defending Housing Rights Under Pressure
Written by Stefany Perez, HUD Certified Housing Counselor Our client contacted us after their landlord verbally informed them that the property would be demolished and that the tenant needed to vacate. We advised our client not to move, as this did not constitute proper legal notice. We explained their rights as a tenant and outlined…
-
Summer Utility Costs: What Renters and Homeowners Should Know
Summer often brings longer days, family gatherings, vacations, and unfortunately, higher utility bills. As temperatures climb, many households rely more heavily on-air conditioning, fans, and increased water usage, making utility costs one of the biggest seasonal expenses. Whether you rent or own your home, understanding how summer affects your utility bills can help you prepare…
-
Don’t Ignore Court Notices: Why Responding Can Protect Your Rights
Receiving a court notice can be stressful. Whether it’s related to housing, debt, family matters, or another legal issue, many people feel overwhelmed or unsure of what to do next. Some may even avoid opening the envelope altogether, hoping the problem will go away on its own. Unfortunately, ignoring a court notice can often make…
-
The significance of early intervention and advocacy for vulnerable tenants
Written By Stefany Perez, HUD Certified Housing Counselor A senior citizen who has lived in her home since 2000, reached out to us after receiving a notice from their current landlord requesting that she vacate the property due to an upcoming sale. The prospective new owner indicated they intended to personally occupy the unit and…
-
Security Deposits in New Jersey: What Tenants Need to Know
Moving into a new home often requires paying a security deposit upfront, sometimes amounting to hundreds or even thousands of dollars. While many tenants expect to get that money back when they move out, disputes over security deposits are among the most common issues renters face. Understanding your rights can help protect your hard-earned money…
-
Client Success Story – 50 Percent Rent Abatement and Dismissal of Eviction Case for Rent-Controlled Senior Due to Landlord’s Habitability Violations
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…
-
Understanding Your Mortgage
Written By William Paige, Foreclosure Specialist at The Waterfront Project Have you ever looked at your mortgage statement and wondered, “Why did my monthly payment increase?” First let’s break down what a mortgage is made of. Your total monthly mortgage payment is commonly referred to as PITI: Principal: Pays down your loan balance. Interest: The…
-
From Housing Crisis to Homelessness: Why More New Jersey Residents Are Being Left Behind
Written By WFP Intern, River Pilar The homelessness crisis in New Jersey has festered in the background for years. With the rise in housing prices and a lack of wage raises, more people are being forced out of their homes and onto the cold streets of New Jersey with very few options to rejoin society…
-
April is fair housing month – know your rights as a tenant
Written By Stefany Perez, HUD – Certified Housing Counselor April is recognized nationwide as Fair Housing Month, a time to reflect on the importance of equal access to housing and to ensure that every individual and family has the opportunity to live in safe and fair housing without discrimination. Fair Housing Month commemorates the passage…
-
When Neighbors Stood Together: Eviction Resistance
Written By Cristina Cercone, HUD Certified Housing Counselor at The Waterfront Project Housing instability is often described as a modern crisis. Rising rents, eviction filings, and affordability gaps dominate today’s headlines. But nearly a century ago, communities across the country faced a housing emergency that reshaped how America understands the right to shelter. The eviction…
Recent Posts
- Defending Housing Rights Under Pressure
- Received a Foreclosure Notice? What Hudson County Homeowners Should Know
- Summer Utility Costs: What Renters and Homeowners Should Know
- Don’t Ignore Court Notices: Why Responding Can Protect Your Rights
- The significance of early intervention and advocacy for vulnerable tenants
