Long-Term Renters In 3 Malden Buildings Reach Deal With New Owner

MALDEN, MA — A property owner has reached an agreement with its tenants' union to protect longtime residents of three buildings it recently purchased in Malden.

The deal between United Properties and the United Properties Tenants Association replaces large, immediate rent hikes with smaller, predictable increases over five years, and covers tenants who lived in the buildings prior to their purchase.

"This historic five-year agreement keeps rents affordable for a diverse group of working-class, longtime residents in three neighboring buildings," said tenant organizer Lynette Ng. "Thanks to the support and continued engagement of the Mayor’s Office, and the willingness of our landlord United Properties to make a deal, we can continue to call this community home."

Fifteen families from 33 Park Street, 46-50 Park Street and 84 Linden Avenue will be protected by the agreement. The deal came after more than six months of discussions between Mayor Gary Christenson, Community Development Director Alex Pratt, landlord United Properties, tenant leaders from the United Properties Tenants Association, and City Life/ Vida Urbana, a nonprofit that focuses on housing justice and tenant organizing.

Pratt said many long-time residents have been hit with large rent increases when older buildings change owners, as rents have increased substantially in Malden and the surrounding area.

"By working with both the landlord and the tenants, and with a little creativity, we were available to avoid displacement and keep these long-term residents in our community," Pratt said.

Christenson cited the agreement as being among his administration's priorities to keep families from being pushed out of Malden.

"I am grateful for the willingness of United Properties to work with us to keep our neighbors in their homes," Christenson said. "I am also inspired by the leadership and solidarity shown by these tenants, who are effective advocates not only for each other, but for all Malden residents."