BOSTON—A bill designed to boost foreclosure protections for renters and older homeowners is headed to Gov. Deval Patrick's desk.
The Massachusetts Senate has given final approval to the bill that would bar tenants from being arbitrarily evicted from foreclosed properties and toughen consumer protections for senior citizens considering reverse mortgage agreements.
The bill would also criminalize residential mortgage fraud.
The bill comes as Massachusetts continues to struggle with a high rate of foreclosures.
While fewer petitions to foreclose on homes were filed in Massachusetts in June compared with a year ago, the number of homeowners who lost their homes to foreclosure more than doubled.
An aide to Patrick said he looks forward to reviewing the bill.
