HOUSING MEDIATION

Housing Mediation

MetroWest Mediation Services is offering free mediation between landlords and tenants for non-payment situations. This program helps prevent homelessness by keeping tenants stably housed and landlords from mortgage foreclosures.

For more information or to schedule a free mediation, please contact Li, Coordinator of the Housing Mediation Program by filling out the form at the bottom of the page or calling 508-960-9336.

Para assistência em português: 508-960-9326.
Para asistencia en español: 508-960-9326.

Housing Mediation NEWS

HOUSING MEDIATION IMPACT

Starting in November 2020, MetroWest Mediation’s Housing Mediation Program began receiving referrals for residential eviction cases from the Framingham/Natick District Court. In addition, we receive referrals from community members, landlords, tenants and organizations for assistance in pre-court cases.

Our team works with landlords and tenants to create agreements that avoid eviction. This includes assisting tenants with rental assistance applications, negotiating payment plans, addressing behavioral issues, referring tenants to community resources and creating durable mediation agreements for the benefit of both landlords and tenants.

From the program inception, we have assisted in over 1000 cases, including pre-court and in-court eviction cases. We have helped settle over 80% of those cases.

The success of our housing mediation program has contributed to Framingham having the lowest percentage of eviction orders as a percentage of overall Summary Process eviction filings of the 11 cities in Massachusetts with over 200 filings in District court between November 1, 2020 and June 30, 2024 (See chart below.)

Framingham’s percentage of eviction orders was the lowest at 16%, compared with the state average of 35% and a range up to 48%.

Data from the Massachusetts Trial Court Website: https://public.tableau.com/app/profile/drap4687#!/ Retrieved 9/3/2024

Testimonials:


I recently received services from MetroWest Mediation. It was invaluable. Without MetroWest I would have been lost. The landlord has the court experience and lawyers but the tenant has nothing. MetroWest Mediation ensures that everyone is on the same level. They take the time to explain the process and make sure everyone understands what the next steps will be. They kept both party’s best interest in mind and came up with a workable and sustainable solution. I will be forever thankful for the service I received from MetroWest Mediation.”

— Tenant in Natick, MA

“We were able to address and resolve many cases through mediation. Our mediator went above and beyond her duty with her dedication to assist both parties towards an amicable resolution. Through mediation, we were able to expedite the process to the satisfaction of both parties. A win-win outcome.”

— Landlord in Framingham, MA