The City of Somerville has passed an amendment to its landmark Housing Stability Notification Act (HSNA) to significantly expand awareness of tenant protections. The amendment requires landlords to provide tenants with information about their rights and resources at the start of all new housing rentals, rather than only when pursuing an eviction, as stipulated in the original legislation.
“The HSNA amendment is a smart way to inform and empower all tenants, and I’m proud that our city is continuing to prioritize policies to keep people in their homes,” said Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. “The earlier residents know their rights and resources, the more protected they’ll be. This amendment better reflects the urgency the housing crisis necessitates, and it’s a tangible way to redress the power imbalance between landlord and tenant. I’m grateful to the Council, our local community organizations, and advocates for their ongoing partnership as we work together to combat displacement.”
