Eviction, Foreclosure Moratorium Extended Into October

Gov. Charlie Baker has extended the state ban on evictions and foreclosures until Oct. 17.

The moratorium, which has been in effect since April 20, was set to expire Aug. 18. It bans non-emergency evictions and foreclosures while the state struggles to find its footing amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Baker held the option to extend the ban for up to 90 days. On Tuesday, he opted for two months.

Under the moratorium, renters and homeowners are still liable for rent and mortgage, but they will avoid late fees if they prove financial hardships related to the virus.

"I am aware that the extension I am declaring today will impact many small landlords who rely on rental income to pay their own expenses," Baker wrote in a Tuesday letter to legislative leaders. "I strongly encourage tenants to continue to pay rent, and homeowners to make their mortgage payments, to the extent they are able while the moratoria remain in place."

The move comes amid the building pressure to help renters and homeowners who have been financially impacted by COVID-19. Massachusetts has the highest unemployment rate in the country, adding to fears that a flood of evictions and foreclosures would follow the moratorium's expiration.

Baker's administration has made $20 million in supplemental housing assistance available for low-income renters and homeowners. The administration said it will continue to work to help people avoid eviction when the moratorium ends.