Pandemic Freeze On Rent Increases Will Continue In Montclair

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Coronavirus cases may be on the downslope, but the financial effects of the pandemic are still plaguing Montclair residents.

On Tuesday, the Montclair Town Council passed a resolution that will extend its temporary moratorium on rent increases until Sept. 30.

Initially passed in May 2020, ordinance O-20-08 prevents any increase in the amount paid in rent – or any additional charges by residential tenants – in all residential rental units within Montclair’s borders.

Exemptions include:

• Rental units in properties that are owner-occupied with no more than one additional rental unit
• Rental units in properties exempt from local rent regulation by state or federal law
• Rental units in which the rent is determined as the function of household income
• Rental units in hotels

The local ordinance reads:

“In light of the ongoing financial hardships, the severe disruption to the economy at all levels, and in the spirit of the moratorium on the execution of warrants of eviction, the township has determined that the immediate stability of rents is necessary for the public interest and is best served by placing an immediate, temporary moratorium on all rent increases.”

In March 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac announced the suspension of all evictions and foreclosures for 60 days. A day later Gov. Phil Murphy issued Executive Order 106, which immediately suspended evictions throughout the state.

• See related article: 1 In 5 New Jerseyans At Risk Of Eviction, Foreclosure
• See related article: NJ Courts Prepare For Onslaught Of Coronavirus Eviction Cases
• See related article: NJ Utility Shutoff Moratorium To End, Gov. Murphy Says

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