Bill > S1047

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to prevent unnecessary vacancies in foreclosed homes. Key provisions include: 1) Requiring foreclosure sale purchasers to provide written notice to tenants within 30 days of foreclosure with details on how to pay rent to the new owner. 2) Allowing foreclosure sale purchasers to only evict tenants for "just cause," such as non-payment of rent or lease violations, and not simply because the property was foreclosed upon. 3) Establishing that a bona fide lease or proof of rent payments to the previous owner creates a presumption of reasonable rent that the new owner must accept. 4) Imposing a penalty of at least $5,000 on foreclosure sale purchasers who illegally evict tenants in violation of the law. The overall intent is to prevent unnecessary displacement of tenants and vacancies in foreclosed properties by maintaining tenancies under reasonable terms, even after a foreclosure sale.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1047