Bill > H1595

This bill proposes changes to Chapter 239 of the General Laws concerning summary process, which is the legal procedure for regaining possession of land or property. Specifically, it aims to prevent foreclosures for small business property owners by modifying regulations around evictions. The bill introduces new requirements for landlords seeking to evict tenants from residential properties, including a mandatory 48-hour written notice before physically removing a tenant and their belongings, detailing the date and time of the eviction and stating that any remaining personal property will be forfeited. It also specifies that evictions cannot occur before 9 a.m. or after 5 p.m., nor on weekends or holidays. Furthermore, if a tenant fully pays any outstanding rent and any use and occupancy charges that have accrued since a judgment was issued, the landlord is barred from proceeding with the eviction and must inform the court of the satisfaction of the judgment, with the tenant having the right to enforce this. However, the bill clarifies that landlords are not obligated to accept full payment of a money judgment and can still pursue eviction through lawful means if they refuse.