City Council calls for moratorium on rent, mortgages during COVID-19 pandemic
After several discussions on proposed amendments, the Council voted to adopt a resolution filed last week by Councilor Arroyo, urging a moratorium on rent, mortgages, evictions and foreclosures in Boston to provide housing security in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last week, the resolution received a 12-1 vote. The City Council rules state that no action can be taken on dockets on the same day as the filing unless there is unanimous consent.
Councilor Arroyo noted that many other jurisdictions have introduced rent or mortgage moratoriums, while Massachusetts has not; and although the Council does not have the power to institute this, they can advocate through an official resolution.
The newly amended non-binding resolution, with a sunset clause added, was passed 12-1.