By Yu Sin Mok, Greater Boston Legal Services
The Massachusetts eviction ban protecting tenants from evictions ended on October 17, 2020, so landlords can now file eviction cases in courts again. The Asian Outreach Unit of Greater Boston Legal Services answers legal questions over the phone, and we often hear from low-income Asian clients who are struggling to pay rent. Many are concerned about losing their homes, after having lost their jobs and income during COVID-19. This situation is stressful, especially when low-income families typically live in areas with high rates of displacement and rent increases.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, you can do two things to protect yourself from evictions. Also, remember that your landlord cannot evict without following the right steps through the court process.
First, if you cannot pay rent, a federal rule may protect you from eviction through the end of the year. This federal rule is called the Center for Disease Control (CDC) eviction ban.
This CDC eviction ban can protect low-income tenants who 1) cannot pay rent because you lost a lot of income or because you pay a lot of medical expenses due to COVID-19, 2) try to pay some rent when possible and try to get government help for rent, and 3) will likely become homeless if evicted.
To be protected, send your landlord a one-page letter that can be found through the CDC website. The letter will state that you have a right to not be evicted under the CDC eviction ban. Each adult in your family should sign the letter. Then send the letters to your landlord by mail or email. Make sure to keep a copy of this letter for your records.
Second, you can apply for state rent assistance, which is required anyway to receive protection from the CDC eviction ban. In Massachusetts, you may be able to get up to $4,000 to $10,000 in rent assistance. If you need help applying, you can contact the Asian Community Development Corporation at 857-449-7131 for Cantonese and 857-449-7132 for Mandarin. For Vietnamese, call VietAID at 617-804-2456. For English and other languages call 211 or Metro Housing Boston. After you set up an appointment, you need to gather some basic documents, such as your income information, lease, and any proof that you owe rent.
Despite the CDC eviction ban and rent assistance, your landlord may still try to evict you. Contact us right away if your landlord tries to evict, and we can discuss how you can protect yourself. If you have any questions, call us at 617-603-1809 for help in Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.
To read this article in Chinese (Traditional), please click here.
