Toward a clear road to remedies
Boston City Council rent moratorium creates confusion
The Boston City Council proposed a resolution last week in support of those who had been financially affected by the coronavirus. Their proposal, if accepted by higher authorities, would excuse rent or mortgage payments without consideration of the financial loss to landlords from the pandemic. This creates more confusion in an already confusing situation. There are remedies available to help for rent and mortgage payments at the state and federal level. The state Legislature recently passed eviction and foreclosure protections. Emergency changes to the unemployment system have broadened the types of employees that are eligible, and benefits are being made more quickly. Mayor Martin Walsh of the City of Boston has started a rent fund for those that cannot access unemployment funds. There are many programs to help people during this time, and it would be beneficial if the Boston City Council helped to guide their constituents to the programs already available.
