Mayor Gary Christenson has signed an executive order preventing evictions from being enforced in most cases, and has made $250,000 available in rental assistance through a partnership with local nonprofit Housing Families, Inc. Both actions are being taken in order to keep Malden residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The executive order goes into effect Monday December 21 and prevents evictions from being enforced in order to promote public health during the COVID-19 pandemic. The order applies to evictions due to nonpayment of rent and to no-cause evictions. Evictions deemed necessary for public health or safety are permitted under the executive order, and renters are still obligated to continue to pay their rent.
Housing Families, Inc. is providing $250,000 in rental assistance funds to eligible Malden residents on behalf of the City. The program is first-come, first-serve and can be used to cover rent arrears from March 2020 to December 2020 that the tenant could not pay due to COVID-19 and the resulting economic downturn. Completed applications are due by December 28, 2020, must be signed by the tenant and landlord, and include necessary backup documentation. To apply, Malden renters or landlords should contact Housing Families at probonolegalteam@housingfamilies.org or 781-322-9119 ext. 146 to request an application, or visit housingfamilies.org for more information.
“The COVID-19 pandemic and today’s winter storm are both reminders of how important housing is to the health of our community,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “Today, we are announcing an executive order that will keep Malden residents in their homes until the public health threat is over. We are also making rental assistance funds available to help pay off outstanding rent and help tenants enter 2021 with a clean slate.”
“Housing Families is committed to keeping Malden renters in their homes, especially through this challenging winter,” said Housing Families CEO Laura Rosi. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the City of Malden to ensure that every Malden resident can stay safe and warm in their homes.”
Renters are still obligated to make rental payments, and the order does not prevent landlords from filing eviction cases in court. However, most eviction cases will not be enforced until after the executive order is lifted. Renters facing eviction should visit cityofmalden.org/eviction for more information.