When COVID-19 hit the United States, most Americans never imagined the impact it would have on daily life. As the virus spread, states like New Jersey started to implement policies to promote social distancing and to help those impacted by the economic fallout of the crisis, including policies such as an eviction moratorium. While such a policy addresses one specific immediate-term problem, it does not address the systemic need for rent revenue that supports an entire multifamily ecosystem, which is a critical component of New Jersey’s economy and significantly supports the State and municipalities through taxes. Without rental assistance and an understanding that rent is still due, multifamily jobs will be lost, private-sector financial obligations may not be met, utilities will not be paid and municipalities might see shortfalls due to the inability to pay property taxes. That is why we need a rental assistance program immediately.
Brogan: Apartment industry bracing for impact of ‘stay at home’ order, economic uncertainty
With millions of New Jersey residents ordered to stay at home, apartment owners and managers are set to play a critical role in the effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. They’re also bracing for a major impact from a teetering economy and the prospect of some residents being unable to pay rent, which looms large against the backdrop of paying their own employees, mortgages and property taxes. That’s not to mention the need to respond to tenant emergencies and disruptions to the supply chain, which have impacted everything from cleaning supplies to appliances
Rutgers real estate program eyes new degrees, new investment as it looks to the future
With a foundation in place and support from many of the state’s top commercial real estate leaders, the Rutgers Center for Real Estate is now looking ahead to the next five years and beyond. The program’s leaders feel that further growth will hinge on expanding and fine-tuning the course offerings — such as creating a standalone real estate major and a master’s in real estate — while navigating the challenges of fundraising and scaling up to support their growing student population.
