Landlord & Tenant Protection
last updated July 9, 2020
A brief discussion on the subject of severe financial pressures on both tenants and their landlords due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis was conducted during the USNC general meeting of June 23rd, and the matter was taken up again at the meeting of July 7th, during which state Rep. Mike Connolly explained the main provisions of the bill he is co-sponsoring to extend protections for both landlords and tenants (see below for a link to video of that portion of the meeting).
This page will be maintained as a means of sharing information as it is is accumulated and to serve as a resource for those wanting to track progress of meetings and discussions on the subject as well as legislative efforts dealing with this important matter.
News Stories
- NPR All Things Considered, May 27, 2020 - Economic Fallout From COVID-19 Is Hard On Landlords Too
- WBUR News, June 28, 2020 - Boston Minority Communities Hit Hardest By Evictions, Report Says
- WBUR News, June 29, 2020 - Warren Bill Would Halt Nearly All Evictions During Pandemic, Expanding CARES Act Protections
- NPR All Things Considered, July 5, 2020 - Health Justice Lawyer Argues For Nationwide Eviction Moratorium
- WBUR News - July 6, 2020
A news report was aired that said that the City of Boston is going to be extending their tenant evictions moratorium until the end of calendar year 2020. Renters wanting to take advantage of the extension will have to document financial hardship and agree to a legally-binding repayment plan before being able to qualify.
Legislative Efforts
- Massachusetts State Representatives Mike Connolly and Kevin Honan are co-sponsoring Bill HD.5166 - An act to guarantee housing stability during the COVID-19 emergency and recovery. Rep Connolly attended the USNC general meeting on July 7th to explain the content of his bill and how it would protect both tenants and landlords. A video of that portion of the meeting can be viewed here.
- U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has introduced Senate Bill S.4185 - A bill to require States to meet assisted living facility reporting requirements to qualify for future COVID-19 response funds.