The bill amends the "Homelessness Prevention Program" under the "Prevention of Homelessness Act (1984)" to refine eligibility criteria for applicants seeking assistance. It specifies that only New Jersey residents who are either homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness due to certain eviction actions, mortgage foreclosures, or inability to pay rent or mortgage payments are eligible for assistance. The bill also outlines exclusions from eligibility, such as exceeding a specific income threshold or having unresolved financial issues with the program. Additionally, it provides assistance for those facing foreclosure through a secured loan, with limits based on family size.

Moreover, the bill introduces a new $150 filing fee for eviction actions, which will be directed to the Office of Eviction Prevention to fund services aimed at preventing homelessness, including hiring resource navigators. It emphasizes equitable access to assistance across New Jersey and establishes new financial requirements for eviction actions, while ensuring that the new filing fee cannot be transferred to tenants or considered "additional rent." The bill also amends the definition of "expenses" to exclude these filing fees from eviction costs. It is set to take effect four months after enactment, with the Commissioner of Community Affairs responsible for implementing its provisions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:27D-280, 2A:18-61.66, 2B:1-7