Eviction Notices During COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, new state requirements now exist for the service of non-payment of rent notices to quit. This includes a required attestation form and the filing of the notice to quit with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Eviction Notices During COVID-19: What’s Required?

For non-payment of rent notices to quit, state law now requires that landlords serve tenants with an attestation form, which provides an overview of the eviction process and resources available for tenants (a copy of the form is below).

This form must be served with the notice to quit, and both documents must be filed online with the state.

Practical Implications

Landlords need to be careful with eviction notices during COVID-19. Failure to comply with any of these requirements will likely derail an eviction case.

One of the requirements under the attestation form is to state whether the rental property is a “covered dwelling” under the federal CARES Act. If it is, this federal law requires a landlord to use a thirty-day notice to quit (rather than the standard fourteen-day notice).

Because it can be difficult at times to determine whether rental property falls under this law, I am erring on the side of caution and using a thirty-day notice, in most cases.

Landlords should be mindful that the CDC eviction moratorium remains in effect through the end of the month (and will almost certainly get extended). This moratorium does not prevent the filing of an eviction case, but it does stop a landlord from obtaining possession of rental property while the moratorium remains in place.

Conclusion

If it isn’t clear already, eviction notices during COVID-19 are tricky and can be a trap for the unwary. To avoid some of the pitfalls that can arise in these matters, contact me for a consultation.

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