N.J. Stat. Ann. § 52:27D-280 et seq. § 52:27D-281
Findings, declarations
Operative Text
2. a. It is the long-standing policy of this State that no person should suffer unnecessarily from cold or hunger, or be deprived of shelter. b. At the present time, many persons have been rendered homeless as a result of economic adversity, a severe shortage of affordable housing, and increased stress due to the complexity of daily living. c. It is both more economical and more socially desirable to place homeless people in suitable apartments, or to enable people to retain possession of their houses or apartments and thereby avoid homelessness than to house them in hotel rooms or in other facilities intended for short-term occupancy. d. The Department of Community Affairs has had extensive experience in the administration of the federal section 8 existing housing and moderate rehabilitation rental assistance programs and is therefore the most appropriate agency to administer a program providing temporary rental or other housing assistance to persons who are homeless or in imminent danger of homelessness by reason of inablility to pay rent or other housing costs. L.1984,c.180,s.2.
Section 52:27D-281 of New Jersey law sets out the legislative findings and policy declarations underlying the state's temporary rental assistance program. It establishes that New Jersey has long held that no person should go without shelter, and that homelessness results from economic hardship and a shortage of affordable housing. The provision further declares that placing people in stable housing—or helping them remain in their current homes—is both more cost-effective and more socially beneficial than relying on short-term emergency accommodations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.J.S.A. 52:27D-281, the state has articulated a clear public policy favoring stable, long-term housing over temporary shelter arrangements. Property owners and managers who participate in state-administered rental assistance programs operate within a framework designed to keep tenants housed and reduce turnover. Understanding this foundational policy can help operators anticipate how the Department of Community Affairs approaches program administration and tenant-assistance decisions.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.J.S.A. 52:27D-281 reflects New Jersey's declared commitment to preventing homelessness and supporting people who cannot afford to remain in their homes due to economic hardship. This provision forms the policy backbone for the state's temporary rental assistance programs, administered by the Department of Community Affairs, which may offer help to those at imminent risk of losing their housing. Tenants who believe they may qualify for assistance can explore options through the Department of Community Affairs or a local tenant-rights organization familiar with programs established under this statutory framework.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.