Update: On April 9, H.4615: 'An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency' was sent to conference committee.

The members of conference committee are:

On April 2, the MA House passed H.4615: An Act providing for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 Emergency. 

This bill:

• Prohibits all non-emergency residential and commercial evictions until 30 days after the end of the emergency declaration.
• Prohibits late fees or any negative credit reporting for rent non-payment if it is related to the virus outbreak.
• Prohibits any residential foreclosures until 30 days after the emergency declaration is lifted. 
• Allows reverse mortgage counseling to be conducted virtually during the emergency.
                                                                                                                    (via CHAPA)

MASSCreative supports the work that our colleagues at Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC) and Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) are doing to make policy recommendations to ensure housing stability during this public health emergency.

We join housing advocates in calling on the MA Legislature to:

• Enact a strong eviction and foreclosure moratorium
• Expand Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) with at least $50 million in emergency funding. This program helps residents pay rent, mortgages, and other housing-related expense payments in the face financial hardship.

Artists and culture workers are among the population of workers most likely to experience job loss and decreased incomes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The restrictions on large public gatherings and business closures needed to stop the spread of coronavirus affect the creative community, just as they affect others in the service industry, gig economy, and hourly wage workers. No one should lose their home during a public health emergency. The health and safety of all MA residents depends on people being able to stay in their homes and physically distance.

Take Action:

• Contact your State Rep. and Senator. Find their contact info here.
  • Thank your State Rep:
    • For passing H.4615 and enacting a strong moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.
    • And urge them to:
      • Expand Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) with at least $50 million in emergency funding. This program helps residents pay rent, mortgages, and other housing-related expense payments in the face of financial hardship.
  • Urge your State Senator to:
    • Enact a strong eviction and foreclosure moratorium by supporting H.4615 passed by the House.
    • Expand Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) with at least $50 million in emergency funding. This program helps residents pay rent, mortgages, and other housing-related expense payments in the face of financial hardship.