Moratorium on evictions, foreclosures extended to Oct 17

BOSTON — Governor Charlie Baker has extended the pause on evictions and foreclosures until October 17, 2020.

This law’s limitations on evictions and foreclosures have allowed many tenants and homeowners impacted by the coronavirus pandemic to remain in their homes during the state of emergency.

RELATED: Housing advocates want COVID-19 protections extended, enhanced

During this 60-day extension, the Baker-Polito administration will consult with court administrators and stakeholders regarding programs and policies to help tenants avoid eviction when proceedings are allowed to resume.

The law suspends most residential and small business commercial evictions and residential foreclosures. However, it does not relieve tenants of their obligation to pay rent or make mortgage payments.

>> Report: Boston minority communities hit hardest by evictions

The law also prevents landlords from sending notifications to residential tenants that threaten eviction or termination of a lease, limits court actions on non-essential evictions, relieves tenants from late fees, allows landlords to use “last month’s rent” to pay expenses, requires lenders to grant a forbearance for up to 180 days and allows for alternative payment agreements between lenders and borrowers.

You can find more about the extension here.

“Ultimately our principle should be, no one should face displacement or eviction or lose their home as a result of COVID19 impact ,” said Rep. Mike Connolly, who represents Cambridge and Somerville.

Representative Mike Connolly was pleased to see Gov. Baker extend the moratorium on evictions Tuesday, which was set to expire in one month on August 18.

“I think it was helpful to see that we didn’t wait until the last minute because obviously if you’re housing stability is at stake, you need time to understand what the circumstances are going to be,” said Connolly. “This is good news for anyone who has fallen behind on their rent or is worried about foreclosure, however I think the struggle will continue.”

Connolly hopes the state extends these protections well past October.

He’s working on the COVID-19 Housing Stability Act with other state lawmakers to continue helping those impacted by this virus.

“That would extend eviction protections for any COVID impacted tenant for the duration of the emergency and for one year after the emergency ends,” said Connolly.

So far Connolly says his housing stability bill has nearly 90 co-sponsors and support from hundreds of organizations.

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- Massachusetts Coronavirus Information

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