Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that extends certain COVID-19 measures adopted during the state of emergency.

Highlights:

• Amends the State of Emergency period until December 15, 2021 (Sec. 2).

• Requires landlords to provide a notice to quit for nonpayment of rent in writing to a tenant (Sec. 15).

• Requires the notice to quit to include a form that includes, but is not limited to the following (Sec. 15):

• Information on rental assistance programs, including residential assistance for families in transition programs; 

• Applicable trial court rules for a summary process; 

• Any relevant federal and state legal restrictions on residential evictions; and 

• The form to clearly display the following statement: “This notice to quit is not an eviction. You do not need to immediately leave your unit. You are entitled to a legal proceeding in which you can defend against the eviction. Only a court order can force you to leave your unit.”

• Requires the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development to put the aforementioned form on its website (Sec. 15).

• Requires a court having jurisdiction for summary processes, including the Boston Municipal Court Department, to not accept a filing for writ, summons, or complaint of eviction for nonpayment of rent without proof of delivery of the aforementioned form (Sec. 15).

Full Bill Text