New Jersey residential tenants struggling to pay rent because of financial hardships related to the coronavirus pandemic may soon see relief, with the state Senate passing a bill Monday that would set aside $100 million for aid to renters.

The move comes amid an economic crisis triggered by fears of the virus spreading, with 17 million people nationwide filing for unemployment claims in the last four weeks. New Jersey has seen over 500,000 unemployment applications since Gov. Phil Murphy began ordering “non-essential” businesses to close.

The $100 million fund for renters would be paid for first using federal grants and the remaining amount from the state's general fund.

“Hopefully it’s sufficient, because it’s needed,” Senate President Stephen Sweeney told reporters. “We’ve given everyone else help. People that are renting should be given help, too.”

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The $100 million fund would operate under the New Jersey Homeless Prevention Program. Renters would apply to the state for assistance, and if the application is approved, the state would pay the landlord directly.

A person or household would be eligible if unable to make rental payments for reasons that are “beyond the household's control" and are related to the coronavirus crisis. A renter would not have to be served with a summons or eviction complaint to be eligible.

The program would have income limits. To be eligible, you cannot make more than 120% of area median income. Those figures, set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, vary by county. In Bergen County, area median family income is $104,200.

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The bill would allow the Department of Community Affairs commissioner to give priority to low- and moderate-income residents.

Murphy announced two weeks ago that financial institutions will provide mortgage forbearance and financial relief to New Jersey homeowners affected by the crisis.

The bill, S-2332, passed with no dissenting votes during the Senate's first voting session conducted by phone. It now moves on to a vote in the General Assembly. Democratic Assembly leaders have not decided when the body's next voting session will be.

Murphy did not comment on whether he would sign the bill if it passes that chamber.

Terrence T. McDonald is a reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: mcdonaldt@northjersey.com Twitter: @terrencemcd