Affordable housing applications are confusing. This NJ bill would simplify the process
It can be extremely overwhelming for New Jerseyans to navigate the complex web of applications, deadlines and requirements for affordable housing programs that help subsidize their rents.
Lawmakers voted Monday to advance a bill out of committee that would create a single online resource where residents could pre-apply for multiple housing developments and public housing applications at the same time. The website would show which programs a person would be eligible for and the status of waitlists, and would include rental, for-sale and temporary housing options.
The New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency would include on the website programs such as Section 8 vouchers, rental assistance, Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS, supportive housing for veterans, rapid rehousing, lead remediation assistance and utility payment programs.
The Assembly Housing Committee voted 8-0 to move the bill, A2760, forward. It would need to pass both the full Senate and Assembly and be signed by Gov. Phil Murphy to become law.
Lead hazards in drinking water
Another bill that advanced would require landlords to test units for lead drinking water hazards if it is requested by a tenant and would ban landlords from obstructing the replacement of lead service lines.
It would also require landlords to give tenants a flier created by the Department of Health listing health risks associated with lead in drinking water. They would also have to provide renters a disclosure that lists the date the house was constructed, noting that housing built before 1986 may have a lead service line or contain interior lead plumbing. The law would require landlords to provide any formal notice they received in the last three years that showed high lead levels at the rental.
The committee advanced the bill with a 7-0 vote.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Bill would make NJ affordable housing applications less confusing
