New MA Coronavirus Laws On Evictions, Nursing Homes

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Two new laws either passed out of the state House or signed by Gov. Charlie Baker this week aim to help local residents get through the coronavirus crisis. Both were supported by local state Reps. Jack Lewis, Maria Robinson, and Carmine Gentile.

Earlier this week, Baker signed a law placing a temporary moratorium on evictions in Massachusetts, providing cover for renters who have lost a job or income due to the crisis. The law also protects small business owners who lease space. The law will be in effect as long as Baker's state of emergency is in place.

"Today more than ever our residents need homes to live in," Gentile said in a news release. "Homelessness must not be allowed to increase."

The law was sponsored by state Rep. Mike Connolly, D-Cambridge, and was the subject of a lot of debate over the last month in the Legislature. The law hit a snag on April 17 when state Rep. Shawn Dooley, R-Norfolk, blocked the bill seeking more protections for landlords.

The law does allow landlords to carry out evictions in case of a crime or public health emergency. Landlords can also use a last month's rent payment to cover expenses. Landlords, however, can't charge late fees or ding a renter's credit due to missed payments. Renters do have to provide proof of financial hardship. The law also makes it possible for homeowners to do reverse mortgage consultations over the phone.

A second measure that passed the state House this week would require nursing homes to send data on coronavirus infections and deaths to the state Department of Public Health. Local nursing homes, including in Natick and Brookline, have been the site of deadly coronavirus outbreaks.

“Many of us have entrusted family members and friends into the care of others firmly believing that policies and procedures, along with oversight from the commonwealth, will keep them well," Lewis said in a news release. "While data alone won’t save us, this legislation will provide daily updates along with demographic information of what is happening in long-term care facilities."

The bill on nursing home data is before the state Senate.