Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. Housing worries can keep you up at night. Whether you're behind on rent, got a scary notice, or just need a place you can afford, there are real people and real rules in New Jersey that can help. Let's go through it together.
Here is the easy first step: if you're behind on rent or got court papers, call your County Social Services Agency or dial 211 today, and read every paper right away. Waiting can make it harder.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise money, a unit or a spot in any program.
- This is general information, not legal advice. For your situation, talk with a lawyer. See Guide 13.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
- Emergency rent help. If you get Work First New Jersey or SSI and are about to lose your home, Emergency Assistance may help with back rent, utilities or moving costs. If your income is too high for that, the state says Social Services for the Homeless may help with back rent, deposits and utility costs. Ask your County Social Services Agency.
- Utility help. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund (USF) help with heating and electric bills. See section 7.
- Housing counseling. HUD approved counselors can help with renting, avoiding eviction and budgeting. Call 800.569.4287.
- Affordable housing and vouchers. See section 5.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/ and https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/hea.shtml
How to start, step by step
- Gather your lease, rent receipts and any notices from your landlord or the court.
- Call your County Social Services Agency, or dial 211, and ask about rent help.
- If you have court papers, call legal aid right away. See Guide 13.
- Keep paying what you can, and get a receipt every time.
- Write down every call: who, when and what they said.
What to say when you call 211
"Hi. I'm behind on rent in (town or county), and I'm worried about losing my home."
"Is there rent help, or help with my electric or heating bill?"
"I got a notice from (my landlord or the court). Who can help me understand it?"
I'm behind on rent. What should I do?
Take a breath. New Jersey has rules about how evictions work, including lockouts, utility shutoffs and the role of the court.
The state's Truth in Renting guide explains them. Read it, check the details there, and decide what fits your situation. If you are locked out or your utilities are shut off, call legal help right away.
- The state's guide also covers when a landlord can end or not renew a lease, and which kinds of homes have different rules.
- If you get court papers, don't ignore them. Go to court on your date, and call legal aid first. See Guide 13.
- Late rent. Some renters, like seniors and people on certain benefits, may have extra time before a late charge. The Truth in Renting guide has the details.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
Say you got an eviction notice
Say your landlord gave you a notice because you're two months behind. You could call your County Social Services Agency to ask about Emergency Assistance, and call the LSNJLAW Hotline for legal help (see Guide 13). If you get court papers, you would go to court on the date listed. If anyone tries to lock you out, call legal help right away.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
Get it in writing
Ask for receipts, repair promises and payment plans in writing. A text or email counts too. Keep copies. Easy peasy!
How do security deposits work in New Jersey?
New Jersey has rules for security deposits. The Department of Community Affairs (DCA) explains them on its official page.
Read it, check the details there, and decide what fits your situation. The page covers things like:
- How much a landlord can charge for a deposit.
- What the landlord should tell you about where the deposit is held.
- The interest belongs to you.
- How and when the deposit comes back after you move out.
- Which kinds of rentals the rules cover.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/secty_deposit_bulletin.pdf
Protect your deposit when you move out
What if my home needs repairs?
New Jersey has rules about keeping rental homes safe and livable, like heat, water and electricity. The Truth in Renting guide explains them.
Read it, check the details there, and decide what fits your situation.
- Tell your landlord about the problem in writing, and keep a copy.
- Take photos and keep notes.
- Call your town's code enforcement or housing inspector.
- The guide describes steps like repair and deduct, or rent abatement, but they have strict rules. Talk with legal aid before you hold back any rent.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
How do I find a place I can afford?
- Dial 211 and ask about affordable housing and voucher waitlists near you.
- The NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency lists affordable rentals around the state. See the New Jersey cards below.
- Ask your local housing authority about public housing and Housing Choice Voucher waitlists. Lists can be long, so get on more than one if you can.
- Fair housing. New Jersey has fair housing rules, including about housing vouchers. See section 8.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
I already lost my home. How do I get back in?
Start with Guide 2 for shelter tonight. Then ask your County Social Services Agency about Emergency Assistance.
The state says it can help with moving costs, like a security deposit or first month's rent, for people who qualify.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/disabilities/essential-needs/housing-support/
How do I get help with heating and utility bills?
The DCA runs the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Universal Service Fund (USF), which help households with low incomes pay for heating and electric bills. One application covers Home Energy Assistance, USF and Weatherization.
- Apply online, or download and mail the application, through the DCA.
- For help or to find your nearest application agency, call 800.510.3102.
- NJ 211 is also the state's Home Energy Assistance Hotline. Dial 211.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/hea.shtml and https://nj211.org/get-help
Say your heat is about to be shut off in Trenton
Say you got a shut off notice for your gas in Trenton. You could call 800.510.3102 to find where to apply for LIHEAP and USF. If you get Work First New Jersey or SSI, you could also ask the Mercer County Board of Social Services, at 609.989.4320, about Emergency Assistance for utilities.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/hea.shtml and https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
What if I'm treated unfairly?
New Jersey has fair housing rules for renters, including rules about housing vouchers and other income. The Truth in Renting guide and the state's civil rights office explain them.
Read it, check the details there, and decide what fits your situation. If you think you were treated unfairly, you can contact them.
- You can file a complaint with the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights.
- For a federal fair housing complaint, contact HUD.
- Survivors of domestic violence may have options to end a lease early. See Guide 8.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf and https://www.njoag.gov/about/divisions-and-offices/division-on-civil-rights-home/
Keep a housing folder
Questions people ask a lot
Can my landlord lock me out in New Jersey?
New Jersey has rules about lockouts. Read the state's Truth in Renting guide, and call legal help right away if it happens.
How much can a security deposit be?
The DCA Security Deposit Bulletin explains the rules. Check it and decide what fits your situation.
When do I get my deposit back?
The DCA bulletin explains how and when deposits come back. Check the details there.
Who helps with heating bills?
Call the LIHEAP hotline at 800.510.3102, or dial 211.
Can a landlord refuse my housing voucher?
New Jersey has fair housing rules about this. Read the Truth in Renting guide or ask legal help.
Where can I read about my rights as a renter?
The DCA publishes the Truth in Renting guide. Read it and decide what fits your situation.
Sources: https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf and https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/secty_deposit_bulletin.pdf and https://www.nj.gov/dca/home/landlord-tenant.shtml
I'm happy to help however I can
You're doing the right thing by reaching out early. Keep going, friend.
Here is your County Social Services Agency, legal aid and other local help, starting with the biggest counties. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
HUD Approved Housing Counseling
What it offers Low or no cost counselors who can help with renting, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and budgeting.
How to reach Call 800.569.4287 to find a counselor near you.
Source https://www.hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
Last checked October 22, 2026
HUD Fair Housing Complaints
What it offers If you think you were treated unfairly in housing because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or family status, you can file a complaint with HUD.
How to reach File online at https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Source https://www.hud.gov/contactus/file-complaint
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
NJ DCA Housing Assistance
What it offers The state Department of Community Affairs runs programs that prevent homelessness and help people move from shelter into stable housing, including the Homelessness Prevention Program, Housing Choice Vouchers and the State Rental Assistance Program.
How to reach Apply for the Homelessness Prevention Program through the county agency listed on the state page. The Office of Homelessness Prevention is at 609.376.0811. For help right away, call or text 211. Learn more at https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/dhcrohp.shtml
Source https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/dhcrohp.shtml
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJ Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency
What it offers State agency with resources for renters and homeowners, including the Emergency Rescue Mortgage Assistance program for homeowners behind on their mortgage.
How to reach Visit https://www.njhousing.gov/
Source https://www.njhousing.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
NJ 211
What it offers New Jersey's statewide information and referral line. Trained staff connect you to housing, food, health care and other help, 24/7.
How to reach Dial 211. Chat, text and search at https://nj211.org/
Source https://nj211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Truth in Renting Guide
What it offers The state's official guide to the rights and duties of tenants and landlords in New Jersey.
How to reach Read at https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
Source https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/publications/pdf_lti/t_i_r.pdf
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Bergen County (Hackensack and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Bergen County Department of Human Services
What it offers County human services, including the Housing, Health and Human Services Center and HEARTS Homeless Family Services.
How to reach Call the county at 201.336.6000. One Bergen County Plaza, Hackensack.
Source https://bergencountynj.gov/bergen-county-department-of-human-services/human-services-institute/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Center for Food Action
What it offers Emergency food, homelessness prevention and utility help for Bergen and Passaic County residents, with six food pantries.
How to reach Call 201.569.1804. Make a food appointment at https://cfanj.org/
Source https://cfanj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Middlesex County (New Brunswick and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Central Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, family and benefits problems for residents of Middlesex, Mercer and Union counties who meet income rules.
How to reach Phones staffed Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Apply online at https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Source https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Middlesex County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance.
How to reach Call 732.745.3500. 181 How Lane, New Brunswick. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
Essex County Division of Family Assistance and Benefits
What it offers Formerly called Welfare. Helps with SNAP, cash assistance and emergency help with shelter, food and medical needs.
How to reach Call Center 973.395.8000.
Source https://essexcountynj.org/welfare/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Essex Newark Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in Essex County since 1966.
How to reach Call 973.624.4500. Apply at https://www.essexnewarklegalservices.org/
Source https://www.essexnewarklegalservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
Hudson County Welfare Agency
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and other county help in Hudson County.
How to reach Call 201.420.3000.
Source https://www.hcnj.us/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Northeast New Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, public benefits, expungement and more for low income residents of Bergen, Hudson and Passaic counties.
How to reach Apply at https://www.nnjls.org/
Source https://www.nnjls.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monmouth County (Freehold and nearby)
Here are some places to start.
Monmouth County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. After hours, dial 211.
How to reach Call 732.431.6000. 3000 Kozloski Road, Freehold, and 2405 Route 66, Ocean. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Ocean County (Toms River and Lakewood)
Here are some places to start.
Ocean County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and emergency housing help. Offices in Toms River, Lakewood and Manahawkin.
How to reach Call 732.349.1500. After hours, dial 211 or call 877.652.1148. 1005 Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
Source https://co.ocean.nj.us/oc/socialservices/frmContact.aspx
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Union County (Elizabeth and Plainfield)
Here are some places to start.
Union County Division of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance, NJ FamilyCare and Emergency Assistance. Offices in Elizabeth and Plainfield.
How to reach Elizabeth: 342 Westminster Avenue, 908.965.2700. Plainfield: 200 West 2nd Street, 908.791.7000.
Source https://ucnj.org/dhs/social-services/ss-contact/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Central Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost legal help with housing, family and benefits problems for residents of Middlesex, Mercer and Union counties who meet income rules.
How to reach Phones staffed Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Apply online at https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Source https://centraljerseylegalservices.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Camden County (Camden and Cherry Hill)
Here are some places to start.
Camden County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare. Emergency Assistance can help people on GA, TANF or SSI with temporary shelter, rent help and utility deposits.
How to reach Call 856.225.8800. 101 Woodcrest Road, Suite 161, Cherry Hill, near the PATCO Woodcrest Station. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.camdencounty.com/service/social-services/
Last checked October 22, 2026
South Jersey Legal Services
What it offers No cost civil legal help for people with low incomes in South Jersey, including Camden County.
How to reach Apply by phone at 800.496.4570, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. Camden office: 745 Market Street.
Source https://sjlslaw.org/contact-us/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Passaic County (Paterson and Passaic)
Here are some places to start.
Passaic County Board of Social Services
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Offices in Paterson, Haskell and Passaic.
How to reach Call 973.881.0100. 80 Hamilton Street, Paterson. Monday to Friday, 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Center for Food Action
What it offers Emergency food, homelessness prevention and utility help for Bergen and Passaic County residents, with six food pantries.
How to reach Call 201.569.1804. Make a food appointment at https://cfanj.org/
Source https://cfanj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Morris County (Morristown and Dover)
Here are some places to start.
Morris County Office of Temporary Assistance
What it offers Apply for SNAP, cash assistance and NJ FamilyCare, and ask about Emergency Assistance. Ask about mobile services if getting there is hard.
How to reach Call 973.326.7800. 340 West Hanover Avenue, Morristown. Dover office: 973.682.4990.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Legal Services of Northwest Jersey
What it offers No cost civil legal help in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, Sussex and Warren counties.
How to reach Visit https://www.lsnwj.org/
Source https://www.lsnwj.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county agency)
Here are some places to start.
Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Atlantic County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 1333 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Call 609.348.3001. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Burlington County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Burlington County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 795 Woodlane Road, Mount Holly. Call 609.261.1000. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cape May County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cape May County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3801 Route 9 South Unit 4, Rio Grande. Call 609.886.6200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cumberland County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 275 North Delsea Dr., Vineland. Call 856.691.4600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gloucester County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Gloucester County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 400 Hollydell, Drive Sewell. Call 856.582.9200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Hunterdon County Department of Human Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Hunterdon County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 6 Gauntt, Place Flemington. Call 908.788.1300. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mercer County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Mercer County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 200 Woolverton, Street Trenton. Call 609.989.4320. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Salem County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Salem County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 147 South Virginia Avenue, Penns Grove. Call 856.299.7200. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Somerset County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Somerset County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 73 East High, Street Somerville. Call 908.526.8800. Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 6 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Sussex County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Sussex County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 83 Spring Street Suite 203, Newton. Call 973.383.3600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Warren County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3 Shotwell Dr., Belvidere. Call 908.475.6301. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My housing plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
Where I stand
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
