Massachusetts Eviction Issue

[Kervin P.]

How are property owners in Mass dealing with nonpaying tenants?

I have a “tenant” who is in my unit even though the lease expired last month. I gave close to a 60 day notice of non-renewal for the lease. They claim they have nowhere to go and can’t fully pay the rent.

[Jonathan Bombaci]

Hi Kervin unfortunately with the courts closed you can’t force an eviction right now. And bad news is there is a bill on the governors desk to extend the mandates. We’re notifying tenants that can’t pay that rent is still due and if they can’t pay we’ll accept partial payment but they need to use any stimulus or unemployment money to get caught up. 

You’re in a tough spot because you were trying to get them out before. If the issue is that have no place to go you can try to find them a place to move or offer to pay the fee to use a rental agent to find a place for them. That would at least call them out on their excuse. They may still not move but it’s worth a shot.

Here is the article I referenced: https://www.bostonglobe.com/20...

Best,

Jon