Rep. Denise Provost filed legislation (H 3017) that would provide the right of first refusal to tenants living in a multi-family home when the property goes on the market. Tenants would still be required to pay market value and would have closing deadlines.
Proponents of the Legislation such as Boston City Councilor Ayanna Pressley argue that “Tenants, residents feel under siege. They are being displaced. It is a public health crisis, because that's how I view displacement. It is destabilizing and devastating families, communities -- it has a residual impact on our workforce, our economy.”
Opponents state that tenants already have many protections under the law and this would ultimately hurt the small landlords, impact people’s property rights and adversely affect the real estate market. Further they argue, a parent who wishes to sell the property to a child and keep it in the family would be potentially prohibited. These are just a few issues which are not addressed in H3017. There is still a lot to be clarified.
What do you think? Do you agree? Let us know!
Check out more at: http://www.wbur.org/news/2017/10/17/first-refusal-bill-to-empower-tenants
-Attorney Noel Di Carlo
