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Emergency Rental Assistance

If you live in Passaic County NJ, are a landlord or a tenant, and have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, you have the ability to apply for emergency rental assistance. This program can help low- and moderate-income tenants pay back rent, starting until March 13, 2020.

The application process:

Step 1:: You (the tenant or landlord) will begin the rental assistance application process if you have been affected by the COVID pandemic since March 13, 2020.

Step 2:: If the tenant starts the application, the landlord will be contacted for information. If the application begins pre-op, you will contact your tenant for information.

Step 3: The landlord will be contacted for verification.

If approved, you will be notified and rent will be paid to the landlord. If they don't approve, you will also be notified.

Tenants and Owners: Before proceeding, make sure you have the information below to submit your request:

  • A form of photo identification (passport, permanent resident card, government issued ID, NJMVC driver's license or non-driver ID, municipal ID).
  • Executed lease (if there is no formal lease in force, provide a one-page lease agreement between the landlord and tenant, signed by both parties).
  • Phone number, first and last name and email addresses of the tenant / landlord.

For tenants: You need documentation of your household income to confirm that it is equal to or less than 80% of the 2020 Median Median Income as defined by the US Treasury.

  • 1-person, $ 54,950
  • 2-people, $ 62,800
  • 3-people, $ 70,650
  • 4-people, $ 78,500
  • 5-people, $ 84,800
  • 6-people, $ 91,100


Acceptable documents include one of the following:

  • 2020 U.S. tax return
  • Pay stubs or other wage statements.
  • SNAP / Food Stamp benefit letter or card with the applicant's name printed on the letter or card dated from the previous or current year.
  • Valid Medicaid card with applicant's name and expiration date.
  • Veterans Pension or Survivor Pension benefits letter with the applicant's name printed on the letter or card dated within the previous or current year.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit letter or statement with the applicant's name printed on the letter or card dated from the previous or current year.
  • A determination letter from the government agency that verified the applicant's household income, dated on or after January 1, 2020.
  • 2020 income certification.


Tenants must also show that one or more people within the household are at risk of housing instability or homelessness. Acceptable documentation includes:

  • A recently overdue utility bill.
  • An eviction notice or an eviction proceeding involving the tenant.
  • Any other evidence of risk.


Renters must show that they qualified for unemployment benefits or experienced a reduction in household income due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Acceptable documentation includes one of the following:

  • Proof or written attestation that someone in the household qualified for unemployment benefits after March 13, 2020.
  • A written statement that the household experienced a reduction in household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship due to the pandemic.

For further information

Passaic County Administration Building
401 Grant Street
Paterson, NJ 07505
(973) 881-4000

Source: Passaic County - Board of Commissioners

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