Renters Can Use Security Deposit to Pay Rent, Murphy Orders – TAPinto.net
(EAST ORANGE/ORANGE, NJ) – Governor Phil Murphy announced the signing of a new Executive Order that allows tenants in residential properties to use their security deposit to help cover rent and prevent landlords from seeking another security deposit for six months after the end of the current emergency.
“This was money paid up front to secure a lease,” Murphy said. “During this emergency, renters should have the ability to tap this deposit.”
The move, Murphy said, was another effort to alleviate the concerns of tenants who have been economically impacted by the coronavirus crisis and also includes the launch of a frequently asked questions webpage for tenants and landlords about rights and responsibilities, additional information on the same site for homeowners taking advantage of mortgage forbearance; and an announcement that in coordination with the New Jersey Apartment Association an urging to landlords to waive late fees for tenants.
“Too many renters are confused about their rights, and some landlords need more information on how to best adhere to the orders we have previously put in place,” Murphy said of the additional information to be made available online. “Everyone will have access to the same information so there can be no more misunderstandings.”
During his daily conference, Governor Murphy also credited District 34 Assemblywomen who represents Orange, East Orange, Montclair, and Clifton, Britnee N. Timberlake for her push for rental and homeowner relief. Assemblywoman Timberlake introduced a bill that goes further than just the issue of security deposits, if it passes it would allow renters to suspend their rent and provide uniformed mortgage forbearance relief to owners. In response, Assemblywoman Timberlake stated, “I am grateful to have the leadership we do in the state and glad we are moving the dial closer to rental and uniformity in mortgage relief with the Governor’s most recent actions. It is great to work with Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Governor Murphy, and advocates to iron out the details of my bill which will hopefully pass and be signed into law sooner than later. Renters and owners need this relief. Allowing renters to use their security deposits toward rent is a major step forward, and I commend the Governor for this Executive Order and for his over all dedication to New Jersey during this unprecedented time.”
TAPinto East Orange/Orange is an online newspaper serving East Orange and Orange as a part of a network of more than 80 franchised local news sites in NY, NJ, and FL. TAPinto recently won 3 of 5 excellence in local journalism awards by the Center for Cooperative Media in NJ. We are accredited by the NJ State Police, which is done through the New Jersey Press Association in which we are long-standing members. We take pride in providing the community with objective news, fact-finding reporting while featuring positive stories and awareness campaigns daily.
Got a news tip or opinion? Interested in advertising? Looking to write a column or to provide freelance reporting? Email us at YourNews@tapinto.net.