iStock photo

Landlords, policymakers and housing activists nearly all agree: Massachusetts is likely going to face “tsunami” of evictions when the state’s freeze on non-essential evictions lapses Aug. 18.

Renters have been hit hardest by job losses and the COVID-19 recession, and expanded unemployment assistance is set to run out July 31, which many say has been key to allowing many to continue paying their rent. And many worry that renters who have gone unemployed for too long won’t be able to make up their missed rent payments any time soon.

But that agreement disappears when solutions are debated. Advocates and progressive legislators in the House say the state’s eviction freeze should be extended for the duration of the COVID-19 state of emergency plus another 12 months, with mortgage forbearance for landlords with 15 units or less and a fund created to help landlords and homebuyers. Major landlord groups, instead, are urging the state or the federal government to guarantee rent payments or expand federal rental assistance.

Where do you stand on how this tough issue should be tackled? Take our poll and tell us: