UNION CITY VICTORIOUS IN FIRST HURDLE ON RENT INCREASE MORATORIUM AND EVICTION FREEZE

(UNION CITY, NJ) — A newly formed association of Union City landlords made an application in Superior Court seeking an injunction on the newly adopted Union City ordinances placing a moratorium on rent increases and eviction freeze due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Judge Joseph A. Turula, Presiding Judge of the Civil Division, Hudson Vicinage, denied the Union City Housing Initiative’s application today. The association failed to prove that there was a need for relief on an emergent basis or irreparable harm. Judge Turula’s decision will allow the City’s ordinances to remain enforceable while awaiting a trial.

“Today’s decision is a victory for the tenants in Union City,” said Mayor Brian P. Stack “I am so pleased that Judge Turula saw merit in our argument and decided in favor of the tenants.

The landlords have completely contradicted themselves by stating on record that they agree with the issue of a rent freeze during a pandemic, but, in turn, filed a lawsuit to prevent the ordinances implementation.” Stack said, “We are in a pandemic where people have lost their health and their livelihood and some landlords are only concerned with a few extra dollars a month.

During a time when we should be helping each other, they are adding insult to injury. It’s tone deaf and shameful.”