Converting a multi-family or rental property into condominiums in Somerville just became more complex. As of October 1, 2025, new amendments to the Somerville Condominium Conversion Ordinance have taken effect, increasing waiting periods, relocation payments, and overall compliance requirements. If you’re a property owner, investor, or developer, understanding these changes early can help you avoid costly mistakes and delays.

The Updated Ordinance: What Changed and Why It Matters

Somerville continues to prioritize tenant protections in its real estate policies. The October 2025 amendments expand notice periods, increase financial obligations to tenants, and strengthen oversight by the Condominium Review Board (CRB).

Key Changes in the 2025 Ordinance

Here’s what every property owner should know before beginning the condo conversion process in Somerville, Massachusetts:

  • Extended Waiting Periods: Formerly tenanted units now require a two-year waiting period before they can be sold as condos. Previously tenanted units that have become vacant cannot be converted sooner than 24 months from the tenant’s departure.
  • Increased Relocation Payments: Standard relocation payments rose from roughly $7,500 to about $14,000. Senior, disabled, and low-to-moderate income tenants may now be entitled to $18,000.
  • Greater Oversight and Documentation: The CRB now closely reviews tenancy history, notice compliance, and relocation proof before granting final conversion approval.

Understanding the Types of Conversion Permits

Under the revised Somerville Condo Conversion framework, the following permits may apply depending on the property’s prior use and tenant history:

  • Preliminary Non-Rental Conversion Permit – For owner-occupied or non-rental units. No waiting period applies.
  • Preliminary Rental Conversion Permit – For units previously rented. Typically requires one to two years’ waiting period depending on tenant status.
  • Final Conversion Permit – Granted once all conditions, relocation payments, and documentation are satisfied.
  • Courtesy Permit – For newly constructed units that were never rented. These generally move through the process more quickly.

The Step-by-Step Process

  • Notify Tenants: The owner must notify current tenants using the CRB’s official notice form and also inform any former tenants in writing.
  • Prepare Application: Collect all required documents—Certificate of Good Standing, final water bill, proof of ownership, and tenant notifications—and submit within 30 days of tenant notice.
  • Attend a CRB Meeting: The CRB reviews applications at its monthly meetings. Tenants may attend and offer comments before the Board votes on the preliminary permit.
  • Waiting Period: For most rental units, a one-year waiting period applies; for vacant former rentals, the period extends to two years.
  • Apply for Final Permit: Submit final documents, including a master deed, property condition report, and proof of relocation payments, before final approval.

Practical Impact on Property Owners and Developers

The longer notice periods and higher relocation costs have real implications for anyone considering a condo conversion in Somerville:

  • Budget Adjustments: The new relocation thresholds can add tens of thousands of dollars in additional expense across multi-unit properties.
  • Timeline Planning: Conversion projects will take longer to complete. Owners should integrate the two-year rule into their development schedules.
  • Compliance Burden: The CRB’s increased scrutiny means that incomplete or improperly timed filings can stall projects for months.
  • Strategic Decisions: Some owners may find that continued rental or sale as a multi-family is more feasible than conversion under the new rules.

Why Legal Guidance Is More Important Than Ever

With these new changes, professional legal representation is critical. The Somerville Condo Conversion process is now a multi-stage, document-heavy procedure that punishes noncompliance. Our team at Martino Law Group helps property owners navigate each step—from notice and application through final approval—while minimizing risk and delay.

Get Help with Your Somerville Condo Conversion

Whether you’re a landlord exploring a conversion, a developer planning a new project, or a homeowner unsure how the new ordinance applies to you, the attorneys at Martino Law Group, LLC can help. We’ll evaluate your specific property, timeline, and tenant history to determine the most efficient path forward under the 2025 regulations.

Call (781) 531-8673 or visit www.martinolawgroup.com to schedule a consultation today.