The Notice of Building Sale ordinance (Ord. No. 2026-07, 7-9-2026) is a new law that requires Somerville property owners to let all tenants know if their residence is for sale and available to purchase.
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Overview
Effective October 14, 2026, Somerville rental property owners will be required notify tenants when putting their residence on the market.
Under the ordinance, property owners must inform tenants through both of the following steps:
- Delivery of Notice of Building Sale form in-person, with a signed acknowledgement, or via certified mail, on or before the listing date, and;
- Posting the form in a location where tenants can see it within 48 hours of listing the property.
Questions? Contact buildingsale@somervillema.gov.
Notice of Building Sale Ordinance flyers:
For Owners
If you rent out your property, the Notice of Building Sale ordinance requires you to let all your tenants know if you are selling their residence.
The Notice of Building Sale form, from the City of Somerville Office of Housing Stability (OHS), and more information about the ordinance is available on the OHS website.
Owners must inform tenants their residence is for sale in two ways:
- Delivering the form to them: either in person with signed acknowledgement or by certified mail, on or before the listing date, AND\
- Posting the form somewhere they can see it, within 48 hours of putting the residence on the market.
Owners must take these actions within 48 hours of putting the residence on the market.
Information in the form:
- Owner’s statement of intent to sell the property;
- The name, mailing address, email address and telephone number of the owner;
- A description of the property for sale, including the number of units and the number of bedrooms within each unit;
- Tenant printed name, signature and date of signature
- The asking price for the property; and the contact information for the Office of Housing Stability (OHS), listed below:
City Hall Annex
50 Evergreen Ave.
Somerville, MA 02145
Phone: (617) 625-6600 x2581
You can also reach OHS by calling 311 and asking to be connected.
You can find the Office of Housing Stability website here. Scroll down to find a copy of the Notice of Building Sale Form.
For Tenants
Tenants: Check your mail and public places in your building. If you learn your building is for sale and you did not get a notice, contact the Office of Housing Stability at 617-625-6600 ext. 2581 or call 311.
Questions? Contact buildingsale@somervillema.gov.
Forms
Note: Check back for this form translated into additional languages soon.
Persons with disabilities may request accommodations to access the programs, activities, and meetings of the City of Somerville by contacting the ADA Coordinator at 617-625-6600 x 2059 or ADA@somervillema.gov in advance of the event.
If you need assistance translating or understanding this information, please call 311 (617-666-3311) or contact us at languageaccess@somervillema.gov. The City of Somerville can provide you with an interpreter for free.
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