Gothamist, David Brand, April 4, 2023

More Jersey City tenants facing eviction could soon qualify for free legal help to fight their case as rents, construction and evictions surge in the rapidly gentrifying city.

Jersey City lawmakers are set to introduce a bill next week that would guarantee an attorney to all low-income tenants in housing court, similar to the “right to counsel” program that exists across the Hudson River in New York City, in nearby Newark and around 10 other cities nationwide.

“Jersey City has experienced some of the highest increases in rents in the country,” said Councilmember James Solomon, who is sponsoring the legislation. “We have to put in place measures to keep all residents in our city.”

The bill is co-sponsored by Councilmembers Yousef Saleh and Frank Gilmore, and has key support from Mayor Steven Fulop.

“This is an important part of a growing city,” Fulop told Gothamist. “Anything that addresses affordable housing in our region is a good thing.”

The measure comes after nearly a year of advocacy by a coalition of tenant activists who have called on the city to step in to help residents at risk of displacement.

Gothamist