AHA rental assistance and search programs aid NJ tenants

Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) provides lower income tenants in New Jersey with more affordable rental opportunities as well as linking them with available rental assistance resources.

Help with Back Rent

Residents of Mercer, Monmouth and Ocean Counties can get linked up with valuable rental assistance if they are falling behind on rent. AHA provides direct referrals to agencies that administer rental delinquency funds in each locale. It can be an advantage to receive a formal referral, since each rental assistance program will prioritize funding to the families who can most benefit from the help.

Reduced Security Deposit Requirements

Landlords frequently require at least the first month’s rent, plus a security deposit equal to a month’s rent. Some landlords even want the last month’s rent paid also.

AHA maintains lists of rental properties where security deposit requirements may potentially be relaxed. This can help you identify better opportunities to find a safe and affordable rental home without having to necessarily come up with so much money upfront. Plus, with the referrals, you could receive some funding aid without having to get a loan to pay security deposits.

Rental Search Assistance

Households who earn between 40% and 80% of median income (Mercer, Monmouth, Ocean Counties) may be able to gain access to more affordable rental homes. Reduced rent apartments are often located within normal communities rather than clustered near housing projects or dangerous inner cities.

AHA’s rental search assistance can help you find a suitable rental unit for your family that fits many of your needs. Most importantly, these units have controlled costs. In fact, many of the rental units on the list are actually managed and administered by AHA. That means the organization has the final decision over your move in requirements, including credit history and security deposits.

If you are alone, then perhaps you might consider the cheaper option of renting a room or living space within someone else’s home. AHA manages a HomeShare program that allows you to find nontraditional rental space that can be substantially cheaper. You can get a big break on utilities too.

For more information about AHA rental assistance and rental searches, contact AHA at 732-389-2958.