Good news (and thanks to CHAPA for reporting on it):
Eviction Moratorium Passes Constitutional Challenges in Superior Court
On August 26, Judge Wilson of the Massachusetts Superior Court issued an order in Matorin v. Commonwealth denying injunctive relief to plaintiffs advocating for the end of the eviction moratorium. Ruling on claims of infringement of core judicial powers, access to the courts and the takings clause, Judge Wilson found that any harm to landlords is “far outweighed” by the potential harm that would be caused by putting an end to the moratorium. CHAPA, MACDC, and MPHA filed an amicus brief to the case defending the moratorium.
And CHAPA also offers us this summary on the federal moratorium:
CDC Issues Federal Order Halting Evictions Through End of 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a federal order that prevents residential evictions for qualifying renters through December 31, 2020 to help to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. To be protected, qualified renters must provide a signed declaration to their landlord that they have experienced a loss of income, made best efforts to pay rent, attempted to obtain relevant government assistance, and have an annual income of no more than $99,000 for an individual, or $198,000 for a family.
And a reminder: Still time to register for our Learning from Emergency Rental Assistance Programs During COVID-19 webinar next week! Join us, DHCD, and MHP for an update on the breadth of local ERA programs and to discuss best practices, challenges, and more.
