Boston residents who signed leases for the new 77‑unit building at 263 Summer Street are facing months of uncertainty after the developer announced multiple move‑in postponements. The project, part of a city‑backed affordable‑housing program, was originally slated for a September 1 occupancy date.
Tenants describe the impact of the delays
One tenant, who asked to remain anonymous, said she signed her lease in July with the expectation of moving in on September 1. Six days before the scheduled handover, she received an email pushing the date back to October 1, only to learn later that the move‑in had been further delayed to October 14, with no firm guarantee beyond that.
“I’m living out of a suitcase,” she told NBC10 Boston. “I sleep on an air mattress with my cat.” She added that the uncertainty has forced her to pay for a sublet and storage on top of the security deposit and first month’s rent already paid to the Summer Street development.
Developer cites gas‑service issue
Developer Adam Burns explained that the setbacks stem from an unforeseen gas‑service problem affecting the building’s conversion from former office space to residential units. Burns said the issue is being addressed and that the developer is offering rent credits to tenants for the period the apartments remain unavailable.
City urges developer to support tenants
The Boston city government has been in contact with Burns, urging him to provide additional assistance while the building’s readiness is finalized. City officials emphasized the importance of protecting residents who are participating in the low‑income lottery and affordable‑housing program.
Legal perspective
Housing attorney Benjamin Levine warned that the delays may constitute a breach of lease. “If a lease states a September 1 move‑in and the landlord has not allowed entry, that is a breach,” Levine said. He noted that a judge could hold the landlord responsible for costs incurred by tenants, including expenses for temporary housing and storage.
Tenant concerns about losing the unit
The anonymous tenant expressed fear that the prolonged delay could jeopardize her chance to secure the affordable unit she won through the lottery. “I’m more so scared because I found this through the affordable housing, like the low‑income lottery, so I’m afraid that I’m going to lose this apartment,” she said.
She remains hopeful for a definitive move‑in date. “I would just like a definite answer. If they were to say, ‘Hey, by this date, we are sure you can move in,’ then I have a concrete date. I can plan around that,” she added.
What’s next?
As the city continues to monitor the situation, tenants are advised to keep documentation of all communications and expenses related to the delay. Those who believe their lease rights have been violated may consider consulting legal counsel to explore potential remedies.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
