Tim's summary of just cause eviction law

summary

There will be city run mediation on any rent increase over 5% and on every lease expiration or renewal where there are any changes to the rental agreement. Any time that happens the landlord has to file paperwork with the City of Boston. Mediation can then be required. There are many grounds for dismissal. The results are not mandatory unless the landlord makes a mistake. Mistakes could include: not being able to prove compliance with everything in section 6 of the law, or failure to follow the procedures in any of 20 other some odd laws or municipal ordinances, a problem with the wording on the paperwork, or a challenge to the landlord's dominant motive or good faith. If mediation happens and the tenant wins and the landlord decides not to honor it, if he doesn't file the mediation certificate just so he can be liable for damages, lawyers fees and 3 months rent. The process would start 30 days before the end of the lease, mediation would likely start after the lease had already expired and the whole process would likely take months.

how the building runs now

Apartments are maintained but no significant renovation takes place on an apartments while it is home to its current residents. On average 6-10 years passes between tenancies and renovation takes place then. When an apartment is listed, it is generally listed at slightly below market rates. Rents generally do not go up for current tenants for 10 years. There are exceptions; Manuel and Maria's rent went up $10/month when I did a quick renovation of the kitchen to add a requested dishwasher. After 10 year there have been rent increases of %20 which turns out to less than 2%/year. This formula works fine for the building and rewards tenants for longevity which tends to create community.

references

You could pay for a copy of the law or strain to see this one or you could look at my imperfect transcription