Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes local governments to prohibit evictions during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Highlights:

• Prohibits qualified residential tenants from being evicted solely due to nonpayment of rent during the covered period, unless the court finds, by clear and convincing evidence, that the tenant had the ability to pay and failed to pay (Sec 2).

• Requires all rent due but not paid to be amortized over the length of the rental agreement period or 6 months, whichever is greater, upon the tenant’s consent (Sec 2).

• Authorizes the landlord to request the issuance of a warrant of removal if the amortized rent due is not timely paid or is not paid in full by the end of the rental agreement or 6-month period (Sec 2).

• Defines the “covered period” as the period during which the Public Health Emergency and the State of Emergency declared by Governor Murphy on March 9, 2020, are in effect and concluding 2 months after the conclusion of the State of emergency or Public Health Emergency, whichever is later (Sec 2).

Full Bill Text