Local
Governor signs ban on evictions, foreclosures

By ASSOCIATED PRESS
Posted: 4/24/2020

BOSTON (AP) -- A bill banning all non-essential evictions and foreclosures was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker on April 21.

The new law, which was supported by the Catholic bishops of Massachusetts, provides mortgage borrowers with forbearance options and protects tenants from late fees. It also creates a moratorium on all stages of the eviction and foreclosure process for 120 days from the bill's signing or 45 days after the state of emergency has been lifted, whichever comes first.

The law also prohibits all non-essential evictions for small businesses.

Landlords are banned from issuing late fees and reports to credit agencies for nonpayment of rent, provided that a tenant offers notice and documentation to the landlord within 30 days of the missed rent that the non-payment was related to a financial impact from COVID-19.