Somerville Ban On Evictions In Effect 'Indefinitely'

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city's moratorium on residential and commercial evictions is still in place and will remain in effect until the state of emergency is lifted. Gov. Charlie Baker this week extended the statewide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures to Oct. 17, but the city said its own ban would be in place "indefinitely."

The eviction moratorium applies to both residential and commercial properties and prohibits the physical act of eviction within the city limits. It applies to both renters and owners in arrears on their mortgages. It also includes orders that the in-person showing of occupied rental units to prospective new tenants or others, as well as any other non-emergency entry, shall cease during the emergency. The City Council unanimously passed measures in support of both actions.

Because the city does not have jurisdiction over the courts, the Somerville Eviction Enforcement Moratorium does not prevent property owners or lenders from filing eviction cases or getting what is known as "an execution for possession" from the court. It prohibits "levying," which is the physical removal of persons and belongings. This is the one area of the process where municipalities have an opportunity to intervene.

Residents who receive a "notice of levy" eviction order or who are experiencing a physical eviction should immediately contact 311 (617-666-3311) to be connected to Office of Housing Stability staff (for residential tenants or homeowners) or Economic Development Division staff (for commercial tenants), who will work with landlords, and the Somerville Police Department as necessary, to intervene.

The order does not protect tenants or owners from eviction once the Board of Health determines that the public health emergency no longer exists. Tenants and homeowners are encouraged to make payments or work out payment plans with their landlords or lenders. The order does not relieve tenants or homeowners of the obligation to pay rent or mortgage debt during the moratorium period.