The Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey is calling on the state Legislature to better protect renters from “unconscionable” rent increases that, paired with inflation, are putting people under severe financial pressure.

“We have seen across-the-board, post-pandemic rent increases throughout the state, and they are doing real harm to families struggling to make ends meet. NJ officials can make sure our most vulnerable residents are safely and stably housed by taking immediate action to prevent unconscionable and predatory rent hikes,” said Staci Berger, president and chief executive officer of the network.

According to data from Zillow, the real estate website, rents increased between 20% and 40% in 14 New Jersey counties since the start of the pandemic. Atlantic County was hit hardest (40%). The other counties where rents increased significantly were Ocean (36%), Camden (33%), Hunterdon (32%), Gloucester (31%), Burlington (29%), Warren (28%), Passaic (26%), Monmouth (25%), Middlesex (25%), Essex (25%), Morris (23%), Mercer (23%) and Union (20%).

“It’s crucial for the health and safety of our communities and our economy to have powerful, statewide rental protections that keep renters in their homes and provide stability for both renters and property owners,” Berger said.

New Jersey is the seventh-most-expensive state in the nation for renters.