Somerville Approves Major Extension Of Eviction Moratorium

SOMERVILLE, MA — The Somerville Board of Health voted to extend its eviction moratorium through the winter and spring.

The board approved an extension until April 30, 2022 at its Sept. 9 meeting.

"I want to thank the Board of Health for taking this important step to protect public health as this pandemic continues," Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone said. "We know about a third of renters who are evicted move in with friends or family, which can cause crowded conditions that help COVID-19 spread. Others go to shelters and similar congregate settings, or to tent encampments which also increase the likelihood of COVID transmission and lethality. Keeping people in their homes is one of the many ways we are trying to limit the spread of this virus."

The moratorium was last extended 90 days in June, with an expiration date of Sept. 15.

Somerville's ban prevents the physical removal of tenants from their homes. While landlords may file notices to quit and seek court orders for evictions, residents may not be forcibly removed from their homes while this protection is in place.

Low- and moderate-income homeowners who are behind on their mortgages may be eligible for payment of their mortgage arrears. Landlords and homeowners may also be eligible for forbearance, which is a pause or reduction in mortgage payments. In addition to existing mortgage assistance resources, the state recently received about $178 million to develop a new Mortgage Assistance Program. The city said this new program should go into effect soon.

Somerville residents who receive a "notice of levy" – a date and time when they will be removed from their homes by a constable or deputy sheriff – or who are experiencing a physical eviction should immediately contact 311 (617-666-3311) to be connected to OHS staff (for residential tenants or homeowners), and the Somerville Police Department as necessary, to intervene.

During the pandemic, the city's Office of Housing Stability (OHS) increased its capacity to help residents quickly access housing support. The office is currently helping to file an average of 60 housing assistance applications per month. The Somerville Homeless Coalition and the Community Action Agency of Somerville (CAAS) are also providing similar assistance, meaning the monthly number of local households seeking support is significantly higher.

Residents unable to pay their rent or housing mortgage are urged to contact the OHS or CAAS for help. Landlords can reach out too on behalf of tenants rather than filing to evict.

"Tenants who are not able to stay current with their rent are strongly encouraged to call the Office of Housing Stability for help in obtaining rental assistance to stabilize their tenancies and avoid credit problems. Landlords with tenants who are in arrears can also feel free to contact OHS for help reaching out to their tenants about rental assistance," said Director of Housing Stability Ellen Shachter. "OHS can also assist eligible Somerville homeowners and landlords with applications for financial assistance to cover unpaid mortgages, condo fees, or similar charges. So, please, contact us early. Our goal is to create a win-win situation where tenants are not getting evicted and landlords and homeowners are able to keep up with mortgages and other fees."

Residents in need of assistance are urged to contact OHS at 617-625-6600 x2581 or fill out a referral form at somervillema.gov/ohs. CAAS can be reached at 617-623-7370 or caasomerville.org/need-help and SHC can be reached at 617-623-6111.