COVID-19 Information
BREAKING NEWS: Governor Baker announces the COVID-19 Eviction Diversion Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to keep tenants safely in their homes and to support the ongoing expenses of landlords once the pause of evictions and foreclosures expire on Saturday, October 17th. This includes the expansion of Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) other State Resources for Renter, Homeowners, and Landlords. (Click on blue text for links to resources).
Below are general COVID-19 resources and information from various state and federal agencies specifically geared towards housing and affordablility.
DHCD Clarification on Rent Increases:
The COVID-19 state of emergency has severely impacted many residents of assisted housing who are facing layoffs, reduced hours, job loss and other economic dislocation. While public and private relief efforts are underway, it may take time for payments to reach needy households. Other residents have fallen ill, are caring for ill relatives, or are unable to work due to closure of child care and schools. In these uncertain times, it is essential that private affordable housing owners refrain from taking actions that would undermine the housing stability of their residents, both to support their residents and to remain in good standing with DHCD.
Accordingly, for 120 days from the date of this notice or the duration of the state of emergency, whichever is longer, DHCD expects all owners of multifamily rental property that receive any form of financial assistance from DHCD and/or its quasi-public affiliates to refrain from implementing any rent increases that might otherwise be permitted based on the revised income and rent figures published by HUD on April 1, 2020. This includes without limitation properties that have received federal or state tax credits, tax-exempt bond proceeds, federal or state capital dollars, and/or federal or state rental assistance.
RAFT Program - The RAFT Program is a homelessness prevention program funded by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) which provides short-term financial assistance to low-income families for housing expenses including rent, mortgage and HOA fees.
Massachusetts Moratorium on Evictions and Foreclosures - Bill signed into law by Governor Baker on April 20, 2020 (see summary of bill below at bottom of page)
COVID-19 Affordable Housing Updates from Citizens Housing and Planning Association
MA Dept of Housing and Community Development COVID-19 Info
COVID-19 Resources from Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporation
MassBay United Way COVID-19 Family Support Fund
Families First Coronavirus Response Act H.R.6201 - provides paid sick leave and free coronavirus testing, expanding food assistance and unemployment benefits, and requiring employers to provide additional protections for health care workers.
Greater Boston Legal Aid Website (English)
Greater Boston Legal Aid Website (Spanish)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has a list of suggestions and resources
Housing Consumer Education Center offers resources for both renters and homeowners
SPECIFIC RESOURCES FOR RENTERS:
Metro Housing Boston Rental Assistance - rental housing assistance
Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium
HUD Foreclosure and Eviction Suspension Notice
SPECIFIC RESOURCES FOR HOMEOWNERS:
Federal Housing Finance Agency - Relief for Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac mortgages