Guide to Eviction Actions & Defenses in a Pandemic World

THE 60-MINUTE LAWYER

There have been a lot of changes to laws and regulations relating to residential evictions since the imposition of the state of emergency-on the federal, state, and local level-including the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ('CARES Act') adopted in March 2020, the Center for Disease Control's Order requiring a Temporary Halt in Evictions To Prevent Further Spread of COVID-19 adopted in September 2020, and Chapter 257 of the Acts of 2020, which made important changes to summary process rules and procedures in effect until the end of the COVID-19 state of emergency in Massachusetts. Some of those laws and regulations may have expired, but they still have a lasting effect on evictions for the immediate future. In addition, the Housing Court has issued a Standing Order, which governs the Court process for handling pre- and post-moratorium cases.

You must understand the restrictions contained in this patchwork quilt of laws and regulations with regard to actions that can and cannot be taken by property owners and landlords-as well as the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, including subsidized leasing relationships. Hear the faculty share survival strategies for landlords, property owners, and residential tenants.