Massachusetts enacts legislation imposing moratorium on certain evictions and foreclosures and requiring forbearance upon request

State Issues Covid-19 Massachusetts Foreclosure Forbearance Mortgages Consumer Finance

On April 20, the governor of Massachusetts signed legislation imposing a moratorium on certain eviction and foreclosure proceedings for the earlier of 120 days from the enactment of the legislation or 45 days after the state of emergency. In addition, the bill requires a creditor to grant a forbearance to a mortgagor that submits a request and affirms that the mortgagor has experienced a financial impact from Covid-19. Any payment subject to the forbearance must be added to the end of the term, unless otherwise agreed to. The legislation also prohibits a mortgagee or landlord from furnishing negative mortgage payment information or rental payment data to a consumer reporting agency related to payments subject to the act.