MA Now Provides Additional Protections for Homeowners and Tenants

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on April 20, 2020 the Massachusetts legislature and Governor Baker extended temporary protections to homeowners and rental tenants.

The new legislation and law provides two important protections for homeowners: A moratorium on foreclosures for the sooner of 120 days from enactment or 45 days after the end of the state of emergency, and 180 days of mortgage forbearance for homeowners experiencing a financial impact from COVID-19.

The new legislation and law provides additional protections to residential and small business rental tenants. The following provisions are in effect for the sooner of 120 days after enactment or 45 days after the end of the state of emergency. Landlords may not impose late fees or report to consumer reporting agencies for a tenant’s late or failure to pay rent. Landlords may not sent a Notice to Quit for a failure to to pay rent. The only exception for a Notice to Quit is if the tenant is engaged in criminal activity or has violated the lease terms by creating a health and safety risk. Additionally, Massachusetts Courts are prohibited from are accepting new non-essential eviction cases and all pending eviction cases are present placed on hold.

These protections are aimed at ensuring that residents and occupants of residential real estate in Massachusetts are provided housing during the current pandemic.

Northshore Legal LLC specializes in real estate law, and represents buyer and sellers of residential and commercial real estate. We will continue to provide updates throughout the pandemic crisis. We can be reached at consultation@northshore.legal or 781-463-6063.