Notice of financial hardship for federal workers during a government shutdown

This notice and certification form is for Massachusetts tenants who are federal workers and have fallen behind on rent because of a federal government shutdown. Under a law signed by Governor Healey on Nov. 25, 2025 (Section 54 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025), landlords cannot start an eviction for nonpayment of rent against an “impacted federal worker” during a federal shutdown, as long as the tenant provides timely notice and documentation. Impacted federal workers include people who live in Massachusetts and work for the federal government — including active-duty military, National Guard and reserve components — who are furloughed or required to work without pay during the shutdown.

The law also prohibits landlords from charging late fees or reporting missed rent payments to a credit bureau if the tenant gives this notice and documentation within 30 days of the missed payment and certifies that the nonpayment was due to a substantial financial impact from the shutdown. This form allows tenants to provide that notice to their landlord, certify the impact on their household, and, if they wish, attach additional documentation about their income and expenses. It is important to know that this protection does not erase the rent owed — tenants are still responsible for paying back any unpaid rent and working out a payment arrangement with their landlord. Tenants who cannot download or print the form may instead send a letter or email to their landlord that includes the same information.