Housing Mediation Program
If you are facing a housing crisis this FREE statewide Housing Mediation Program that started as part of Governor Baker's comprehensive Eviction Diversion Initiative to prevent homelessness during the Pandemic, is now broadened to support stable housing whatever the risk for landlords and tenants across Massachusetts.
Read a mediation success story from the MetroWest Daily news here
Check out a short video here
Program information featured on NBC Boston - English and Spanish versions available here/aqui
How can mediation help?
Trained mediators can help tenants and landlords like you talk about what is important and help you find flexible solutions that work for everyone. To find out more about mediation and how it can help you click here.
When can mediation help?
Mediation can help at any stage before an eviction is filed or during the court process but the earlier the better before costs, arrears and relationships get worse. Mediation can help while you wait for a decision on your application for RAFT or other financial aid and especially with issues not covered by it. RAFT is still available to provide income-eligible households with rental assistance up to $7,000 to help preserve current housing or move to new. Mediation is also available for broader disputes between landlord, tenants and neighbors.
What can I expect to happen?
Our community mediation centers provide services remotely via videoconference or telephone for landlords and tenants. Staff provide hands-on assistance through the entire process from the screening of your case, explaining the process, arranging the mediation, to help setting up a videoconference. Staff can also provide referrals to agencies for additional financial or legal assistance.
To get started contact your local Community Mediation Center. To find the Center closest to you click here.
More Housing Resources:
Looking for legal advice/help - https://evictionlegalhelp.org/other-help/
Looking for rental assistance or housing advice - https://www.masshousinginfo.org/
Looking for information about help in your community - find your local contact
Looking for the State’s Executive Office on housing - https://www.mass.gov/orgs/housing-and-community-development
“Mediation is the best thing! We both should feel good that we helped a good family. I don’t ever want to evict them, but I just wanted to light a fire under them to get rental assistance…””
“Without (mediation) I would have been lost. The landlord has the court experience and lawyers but the tenant has nothing. (Mediation) ensures that everyone is on the same level. They take the time to explain the process and make sure everyone understands what the next steps will be. They kept both party’s best interest in mind and came up with a workable and sustainable solution. I will be forever thankful for the service I received...”