Gov. Baker Extends Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures
Governor Charlie Baker has extended the pause on evictions and foreclosures until October 17, 2020. The previous moratorium provided was slated to expire mid-August.
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.
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.
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.