a memorandum Mass Housing Coalition Pledge

CAMBRIDGE CITY COUNCIL E. Denise Simmons Mayor City Councillor 2008-2009 2016-2017 October 29, 2020 Mr. Anthony Wilson Clerk of Cambridge Cambridge City Hall Re: Memo Re Mass Housing Coalition Pledge Dear Mr. Wilson: I am submitting this item from the Mass Housing Coalition, which I have been made aware of, for inclusion on the November 2, 2020 City Council meeting agenda. This has been forwarded to me as a Co-Chair of the Housing Committee, and I wish to bring this to the attention of the entire City Council. Thank you for including this on Monday’s agenda. Sincerely, __________________________ City Councilor E. Denise Simmons ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CITY HALL, CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS 02139 [phone removed] FAX: [phone removed] TTY/TDD: [phone removed] EMAIL: dsimmons@cambridgema.gov

Massachusetts Housing Coalition Pledge Encouraging Tenant & Property Owner Dialogue to Diminish Housing Effects of COVID-19 Crisis We, the undersigned property owners, in the spirit of ensuring the continued safety of residents and lessening the impact of the advancing COVID-19 pandemic, are united in pledging our support for an open, mutually beneficial dialogue with tenants suffering financial hardship. We agree that legal proceedings against tenants in arrearage should be considered only a last resort where the parties fail to productively resolve prevailing issues. We understand that increased vacancies do not benefit tenants, property owners, public health, or the local economy, and recognize that the current public health crisis necessitates collaborative resolutions. Further, we agree that we will, to the largest extent possible, seek open, fair discourse regarding past and/or overdue rent in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable, mutually beneficial outcome that preserves residents’ ability to remain in their home while minimizing the economic impacts experienced by tenants and property owners. NAME TITLE COMPANY

Massachusetts Housing Coalition Pledge Encouraging Tenant & Property Owner Dialogue to Diminish Housing Effects of COVID-19 Crisis NAME TITLE COMPANY