State Representative Mark Falzone helped pass legislation in the Massachusetts House of Representatives to preserve affordable housing and protect tenants living in publicly-assisted housing.

The bill allows the state and localities to purchase affordable housing units before they hit the open market. The legislation also protects tenants of affordable housing units by requiring that they be given 24 months notice of affordability termination.

Representative Falzone noted, “During the current economic climate it is essential that we do all we can to keep people in their homes. For those who need affordable housing, I am pleased that this legislation has passed the House of Representatives. It should help preserve affordable units and protect publically assisted tenants by giving them adequate advanced notice if affordability is being terminated.”

“This will keep a roof over the heads of Massachusetts’ neediest residents at a time when conditions are most difficult,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “It underscores the essence of legislative action: alleviating people’s pain during very tough times.”

“The House has taken action to ensure more and more of our seniors, disabled and low income working families will continue to have a place to call home,” said Rep. Kevin G. Honan, chairman of the Joint Committee on Housing. “The pride and security of having a home is the cornerstone of building a vibrant community and a stronger Commonwealth.”