Council continues review of expanded tenant protections for condo and co-op conversions

The Boston City Council continued consideration of a proposal to extend displacement protections for tenants facing condominium and corporate cooperative conversion. Committee members and city housing officials discussed aligning a city ordinance with the state Affordable Homes Act and expanding protections to more rental units.

Councilor Coletta Zapata, chair of the Committee on Government Operations, summarized a committee hearing that included testimony from the mayor's office of housing (Sheila Dillon, Karina Oliver Milchman) and tenant advocates (Kathy Brown of Boston Tenants Coalition; Mac McGrath of Greater Boston Legal Services). The current ordinance covers buildings of four or more units and provides a 12-month notice, relocation benefits (typically $10,000–$15,000) and a right of first refusal for displaced tenants. Proposed amendments would expand coverage to non-owner-occupied buildings with two or more units, increase the general notice period from 12 to 24 months and extend timelines for tenants' right of first refusal to align with the Affordable Homes Act.

Committee members probed enforcement capacity, staff resources at the Mayor’s Office of Housing (MOH), lookback periods for displaced tenants, and how protected classes are defined. Councilor Braden said tenants in smaller buildings are often the most vulnerable and urged timely action; Councilor Flynn asked specifically that veterans be included in discussions of protected classes. Councilors said a working session would be scheduled to refine definitions and enforcement mechanisms before the council considers final passage. The docket will remain in committee.