On Friday April 18th I joined with my colleagues in the Massachusetts State Senate to pass vital legislation to assist renters, homeowners and small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 state of emergency.
Key features of the bill include, but aren’t limited to:
-A moratorium on all stages of eviction and foreclosure for 120 day from the passage of the measure, or 45 days after the State of Emergency is lifted.
-Prohibits non-essential evictions for residential properties and small businesses.
-Allows landlords to use a tenants last months rent for expenses like mortgage payments while protecting the rights of tenants on advanced payments.
-Allows for the eviction of tenants for actions that involve allegations of criminal activity or lease violations considered detrimental to public health and safety.
While residents continue to face significant financial hardship, it is critical to protect people’s ability to stay in their homes.