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Multifamily News
Massachusetts State Housing Court Strikes Down Boston Eviction Moratorium
A state housing court judge has struck down the City of Boston’s eviction moratorium saying the City overstepped its authority to block enforcement of evictions. The City’s eviction moratorium was put into place in August 2020 under former Boston Mayor Kim Janey. Boston’s new Mayor, Michelle Wu, responded to recent ruling stating that she is “deeply concerned” about its impacts on struggling renters.
PHOTO: Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, left, with Irene Bagdoian and Gov. Charlie Baker right
MORE State Rental Relief Funding May Be Forthcoming?
According to our sources within the California Housing and Community Development Department, the U.S. Department of Treasury has set November 30, 2021, as the date in which California (and other states) are being given the first opportunity to request reallocated money from other states. As reported in several previous communications, California was allocated $5.4 billion in rental relief funds to assist qualified renters with paying rental debt obligations incurred due to financial impacts associated with the pandemic.
Overall, approximately $46 billion in Federal funding has been provided for rental relief programs throughout the U.S., but so far, only $27 billion has been committed potentially leaving approximately $19 billion available for re-allocation among other jurisdictions. StatessuchasMontanaandNorthDakota,forexample,eachholdunusedfundstotalingapproximately$180million, which funds are likely to be re-allocated elsewhere.
We have learned that California is requesting $1.9 billion in additional rental assistance funding. Other states such as Texas is requesting $1.0 billion in additional rental relief funds and New York is requesting an additional $0.9 billion.
This additional rental relief funding would be made available for state-run programs only and would not be allocated to local jurisdictions(CityorCounty). Localjurisdictionswouldneedtoapplyontheirownforadditionalfundingfromre-allocatedrental relief funds.
City of Long Beach Loses Legal Appeal
Over Transferring of Sewer and Water Fees
In a lawsuit that will likely be appealed to the California Supreme Court, Long Beach’s longtime practice of transferring excess water and sewer fees to pay for other city services was deemed unconstitutional by an appellate court. The City has transferred such excess fees for decades; however, in recent years, Long Beach residents have challenged the practice.
In a statement, the City said that it disagrees with the ruling. Long Beach residents have characterized the practice as an illegal tax. Under the court’s ruling, the city is being required to set aside $9 million of the transfer funds in an escrow account each year until the case is settled.
The “Orange Curtain” is Pierced -
Santa Ana Enacts Rent Control
During its September 22, 2021, meeting, the Santa Ana City Council approved an ordinance to establish rent control and eviction protections within the city. The approval by the seven-person City Council followed many hours of testimony from over 100 residents. The City Council voted 4-to-3 to approve the ordinance for the benefit the majority-renter community residing in Santa Ana.
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