Amendment #665 to H4600

Squatter’s Rights

Representatives Jones of North Reading, Ferguson of Holden, Frost of Auburn, Gifford of Wareham, Barrows of Mansfield and Smola of Warren move to amend the bill by adding the following section:-

SECTION XX. Section 120 of Chapter 266 of the General Laws, as appearing in the 2022 official edition, is hereby amended by striking out the second paragraph and inserting in place thereof the following:-

“This section shall not apply to tenants or occupants of residential premises who, having rightfully entered said premises at the commencement of the tenancy or occupancy, continue to legally reside at the property per a lease or written agreement. The owner or landlord of said premises may requestfrom the sheriff of the county in which the property is located the immediate removal of a person or persons occupying the property, provided that:

The property was not open to members of the public at the time the occupant or occupants entered;

The property owner or landlord directed the occupant or occupants to vacate or leave the property; and

The occupant or occupants have not signed a lease or written agreement entitling them to reside at the property, have remained on the property after their lease or written agreement has expired, or have knowingly and willingly failed to adhere to the terms of the lease or written agreement.

The property owner or landlord may petition the sheriff’s office of the county in which the property is located by presenting a completed and verified Complaint to Remove Persons Unlawfully Occupying Residential Real Property, which shall verify that the above conditions are met. The owner or landlord may submit this form in writing or complete it online.”

Additional co-sponsor(s) added to Amendment #665 to H4600

Squatter’s Rights