Dear Neighbors and Friends
Massachusetts Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz
Massachusetts’ eviction and foreclosure moratorium expired this past Saturday. It provided among the strongest protections in the country for renters and homeowners throughout this pandemic; without it, over 100,000 families across Massachusetts—disproportionately in communities of color and immigrant communities—are now at risk of being forced out of their homes in a time of pandemic.
It’s clear we need strong, simple solutions to keep people safe, healthy, and housed as COVID cases climb this winter. Governor Baker’s Eviction Diversion Initiative, which he unveiled on October 12, is a step in the right direction, but it’s not enough. I’m proud to be advocating for the Guaranteed Housing Stability Act, a bill that would extend the statewide moratorium and offer financial support and relief renters, homeowners, and small landlords alike. This bill is backed by a tremendous coalition of advocates, organizers, and legislators. You can get involved in supporting its passage
here
In the meantime, there are still legal protections in place and resources available. Here’s what you should know:
The CDC has issued a nationwide eviction moratorium that will be in effect through December 31, barring evictions in cases of nonpayment of rent. To be covered, renters must send their landlord a signed declaration.
While Massachusetts’ moratorium blocked evictions at every stage of the process, the CDC’s moratorium only applies to the final stage of removal. That means tenants may begin receiving notices to quit from their landlord. This is not the same thing as an eviction and you do not have to move out by the date provided.Evictions are finalized by the courts, not your landlord. You have the option of mediation or negotiation to try to find a settlement that will avoid eviction altogether. The Governor’s plan includes expanding these counseling services to make them more widely available.
If you’re struggling with paying your rent or mortgage, you may be eligible for Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)or Emergency Rent and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA). Unlike the statewide moratorium, the CDC’s moratorium does not bar landlords from charging late fees and does not protect against foreclosures, but these benefits can offer help with housing payments. The Governor’s plan includes infusing RAFT with an additional $100 million in funding, which is a welcome start—but, according to the non-partisan Metropolitan Area Planning Council, it will only be enough to cover about 1 month’s worth of need.
Finally, you may also be eligible for non-housing assistance. You can apply for SNAP and cash assistance online through the Department of Transitional Assistance and you can apply for Lifeline, a federal benefit that helps with phone and internet bills.
Please pass this information on to other people or networks you know where there may be need. If you would like a version in Spanish to share, please let me know. And, as always, my office is here if you need individual help! Please reach out to me at Sonia.Chang-Diaz@masenate.gov or give us a call at 617-722-1673.
Saludos,`
Sonia Chang-Díaz
State Senator, Second Suffolk District