Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. IV § 7-61
Declaration of emergency
Operative Text
Pursuant to the authority vested in the City of Somerville by Chapter 527 of 1983, as amended by Chapter 709 of 1989, and Chapter 218 of the Acts and Resolves of 1985, the City of Somerville finds and declares that a serious public emergency exists with respect to the housing of a substantial number of the residents of the City of Somerville. This rental housing emergency has been created by the lack of sufficient new rental housing production, by prolonged increases in housing costs at a rate substantially exceeding increases in personal income, and by increased costs of new housing construction and finance. In addition, the critical undersupply of housing in general within the surrounding region further exacerbates the emergency conditions that exist within Somerville. It has also been created by the effect of conversion of rental housing into condominiums or cooperatives. While these forms of home ownership may constitute an important and positive dimension in addressing the housing needs of the City of Somerville, absent sufficient new rental housing production, such conversion necessarily reduces the stock of rental housing otherwise available. A substantial and increasing shortage of rental housing, especially for the elderly, the disabled, and persons and families of low and moderate income, has been and will continue to be the result of this emergency. Unless the available stock of rental housing, and the tenants who reside therein, receive further protection from the consequences of conversion of said accommodations to condominiums and cooperatives than the law now affords, this rental housing shortage will generate serious threats to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the city, particularly the elderly, the disabled, and persons and families of low and moderate income. It is therefore necessary that such emergency be dealt with immediately.
Section 7-61 of Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. IV establishes the legal and factual foundation for Somerville's rental housing regulations by formally declaring that a serious public emergency exists in the city's rental housing market. The declaration identifies several contributing factors — including insufficient new rental housing construction, housing costs rising faster than personal income, regional housing undersupply, and the conversion of rental units to condominiums or cooperatives — as collectively threatening the public health, safety, and welfare of residents. The provision specifically highlights the heightened vulnerability of elderly residents, people with disabilities, and low- and moderate-income households as a central concern motivating the emergency declaration.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. IV § 7-61 sets the policy context within which all subsequent rental housing regulations in the article operate, meaning that the city's rent and conversion rules are grounded in a formally declared public emergency rather than ordinary regulatory discretion. Operators managing rental properties in Somerville generally familiarize themselves with this foundational declaration, as it signals the city's intent to apply protective measures broadly — particularly where condominium or cooperative conversions are involved. Understanding the scope of the declared emergency helps property owners anticipate how the city is likely to interpret and enforce the provisions that follow in Article IV.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 7-61 of Somerville Code of Ordinances ch. 7, art. IV formally recognizes that rental housing scarcity — especially for elderly tenants, tenants with disabilities, and those with low or moderate incomes — constitutes a public emergency warranting legal protections. This declaration underpins the tenant protections found throughout Article IV, and tenants may find it relevant when seeking to understand the intent behind those protections, including rules related to condominium conversions. Tenants who believe their rights under Article IV are being affected can explore options such as contacting Somerville's relevant housing or rent board office, raising applicable provisions as a defense in a housing proceeding, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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