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 a human right, and knowing your protections is the first step to keeping yourself and your family safe and stable.
1. You Cannot Be Evicted Without a Court Order
In New Jersey, only a judge can order an eviction. Your landlord cannot change the locks, remove your belongings, or shut off your utilities to force you out. If they do, it is an illegal eviction, and you have the right to take legal action.
2. You Have the Right to Safe and Habitable Housing
Every tenant has a right to live in a rental home that is safe, clean, and maintained. This includes working heat, water, and electricity. If your landlord fails to make necessary repairs, you may have legal options such as reporting violations, withholding rent, or seeking a rent reduction.
3. Rent Increases Must Follow the Law
While New Jersey does not have statewide rent control, many municipalities (including Jersey City) do. If you live in a rent-controlled building, your landlord must follow local ordinances and cannot arbitrarily raise your rent. Even outside rent-controlled housing, landlords must provide proper notice before increasing rent.
4. You Have Rights Against Discrimination
Landlords cannot deny you housing or treat you unfairly based on your race, religion, national origin, gender, family status, disability, sexual orientation, or source of income (including housing vouchers). These protections are guaranteed under both federal and New Jersey law.
5. You Have the Right to Counsel in Jersey City
Thanks to community advocacy, Jersey City passed a Right to Counsel ordinance in 2023. This means income-eligible tenants facing eviction are entitled to free legal representation. WFP is proud to lead the implementation of this law, ensuring that families are not forced to navigate housing court alone.
Why This Matters
In Hudson County alone, over 6,000 eviction cases were filed since mid-2023. Most landlords come to court with an attorney—most tenants do not. The result is a system stacked against working families, seniors, and immigrants who are struggling to keep their homes. When tenants have legal representation, outcomes change dramatically. Families stay housed, communities remain stable, and homelessness is prevented.
How WFP Can Help
At WFP, our attorneys and HUD certified specialists work together to provide free eviction defense, housing counseling, and financial stabilization support. No one is turned away based on income, immigration status, or ability to pay.
We walk alongside tenants every step of the way—from explaining your rights and negotiating with landlords, to representing you in court and helping secure assistance and guidance when needed.
Take Action
- Know your rights. Share this information with friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
- If you’re facing eviction in Hudson County, contact The Waterfront Project immediately. Early intervention can make the difference between staying in your home and losing it.
- Support housing justice. Donate to WFP to help us expand free legal defense and housing counseling so that every tenant has the tools they need to fight back.
Together, we can make the promise of safe and stable housing a reality for all New Jersey families.