New Jersey renters can pay with security deposits

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy over the weekend ordered landlords to accept security deposits as rent from tenants, according to NJ.com.

“This is money that has been paid up front to secure a lease and during this emergency renters should have the ability to tap this deposit to help them secure their place in their home,” the governor said.

Landlords cannot seek another security deposit until at least six months after the state declares the coronavirus emergency over or at the end of a lease. Murphy previously barred landlords from locking tenants out of their units within 60 days of the state of emergency being lifted. [NJ.com] — Dennis Lynch