New Jersey Rental Counseling Services
Supporting Renters in Crisis with Compassion and Expertise
We offer free, confidential rental counseling to help New Jersey tenants navigate housing challenges, understand their rights, and access critical resources—especially during times of financial hardship.
Our Services
Emergency Assistance Navigation
- State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
- Emergency Rental Assistance (when available)
- Food and utility support
Budgeting & Financial Counseling
Create action plans to manage rent, utilities, and other housing costs.
We offer crisis budgeting tools and financial empowerment coaching.
Eviction Prevention Counseling
- Understand eviction notices and court procedures
- Apply for emergency rental assistance
- Negotiate with landlords
- Connect with legal aid
FREE Rental Counseling
This service is made possible through the New Jersey Housing Mortgage Finance Agency, FMAP program expansion to rental counseling during the Governor’s Declared Economic Emergency.
How We Help
Virtual & In-Person
Flexible options to meet your needs—online, by phone, or in person.
Community Partnerships
We work with legal aid, food banks, and housing agencies to provide wraparound services.
Who We Serve
- Seniors
- Immigrants
- Low-income households
- Communities of color
- Rural residents
Consumer Credit and Budget Counseling (CCBC) Services
- Keep you updated on available options and assistance programs
- Provide your FICO® credit scores
- Create a personalized Action Plan to improve your credit
- Analyze your budget to identify opportunities for financial improvement
- Assist with drafting letters to your landlord
- Provide Relocation Assistance (if necessary)
CCBC is a counseling agency and does not provide legal advice. If legal help is needed, we’ll connect you with qualified legal aid partners.
Get Help Today
Let us help you find stability and peace of mind. Reach out now to speak with a certified housing counselor.
Your information is kept confidential. Submitting this form does not create an attorney‑client relationship.
How to Get Help With Back Rent in New Jersey
If you fall behind on your rent, seek help as soon as possible. These official resources can assist with back rent, eviction prevention, and related needs. (External links open in a new tab.)
Department of Community Affairs (DCA) – Office of Eviction Prevention
The Office of Eviction Prevention (OEP) oversees eviction prevention and diversion supports, including rental assistance and access to counsel. Explore the https://www.nj.gov/dca/ page and try the https://evictionguide.dca.nj.gov/enNJ Eviction Guide.
Emergency Assistance (EA)
EA (through your county or municipal welfare agency) can help with emergency shelter, back rent, Temporary Rental Assistance (TRA), and utility arrears if you receive WFNJ (TANF/GA) or SSI. Learn more from https://www.lsnjlaw.org/legal-topics/government-aid-services/emergency-assistance Services of NJ’s EA overview and the https://www.lsnjlaw.org/legal-topics Admin. Code 10:90‑6.4.
State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
Check the DCA https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/srap.shtml page for current status and instructions.
NJHelps (Food, Cash, Child Care & More)
Use https://www.njhelps.gov/ to screen/apply for SNAP, WFNJ (TANF/GA), NJ FamilyCare/Medicaid, and more.
NJ 211 (24/7 Information & Referral)
Dial tel:2112‑1‑1, text your ZIP to 898‑211, or visit https://nj211.org/.
Office of Homelessness Prevention (OHP)
See DCA’s https://www.nj.gov/dca/dhcr/offices/dhcrohp.shtml page for program details and provider contacts.