New Eviction Rules: What You Need to Know

January 6, 2021

- By Jonathan Schreiber

On December 31, Governor Baker signed into law Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2020 which makes important changes to eviction rules and procedures that will be in effect until the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency. The changes include:  

  • All notices to quit for nonpayment of rent must be accompanied by a new form. The form requires attestations on the federal eviction moratorium and agreements between the property owner and resident. It also provides resources on rental assistance programs, trial court rules and procedures, and relevant state and federal laws. Finally, the form explains that a notice to quit is not an eviction.
  • All notices to quit for nonpayment of rent must be sent to the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development via their portal available here.
  • Courts will grant continuances for residents facing eviction solely for non-payment of rent related to COVID-19 hardship if they have a pending application for rental assistance.