The Boston Housing Authority has extended its moratorium for nonessential evictions for BHA public housing residents until March 31, 2021.

The moratorium continues to offer housing stability to BHA's public housing residents and reduces coronavirus risks associated with the processing of its nonessential eviction cases. Nonessential evictions include all eviction proceedings except for those related to criminal activity, and those that are necessary to protect the health and safety of BHA residents, employees, and others. 

The Boston Housing Authority was the first major housing provider in Boston to implement a moratorium on non-essential evictions in March 2020. Its previous extension was set to expire at the end February 2021. 

Any BHA program participant who is unable to pay current rent during the pandemic should notify their housing manager or landlord through text, email or printed letter and establish a plan for repayment. Although there is an eviction moratorium currently in place for public housing, it is temporary, and tenants are still required to perform their contractual obligation to pay their rent.

BHA program participants facing a financial hardship must reach out to BHA to re-certify their income and reduce their monthly payments. Thanks to a new partnership with the City of Boston, the BHA is launching a new rental relief fund. Public housing residents can seek rental relief by contacting their site manager.

In addition, the City has contracted with Greater Boston Legal Services to add additional attorneys to assist tenants facing eviction. The Office of Housing Stability (OHS) has expanded the Housing Court Navigator Program that assists tenants who are in Housing Court and need financial, legal or other assistance.

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