Lawrence, Massachusetts is grappling with a surge in unlicensed apartments following two recent fires, highlighting the dangerous lengths residents are forced to go to find affordable housing in a market with skyrocketing rents. In a fire on Bodwell Street last Sunday, emergency services discovered illegal dwellings in both the attic and the basement, as reported by NBC Boston.
According to the city's inspectional services, about 150 such apartments were found in 2022. Unfortunately, as the demand increases, landlords are often tempted to quickly convert and rent out these spaces without adhering to the legal requirements needed to safely do so. In the case of the Bodwell Street fire, Lawrence Fire Chief Brian Moriarty reiterated the risks of these dwellings, stating, "At most fires in the city, firefighters always find an unlawful dwelling." Moriarty emphasized the need for proper procedures that ensure fire, smoke, and carbon monoxide alarms, as well as adequate exits, are in place to protect inhabitants.
Fires aren't just exposing the unlawful apartments; they're also putting lives at risk. Another blaze last month at 170 Salem Street led to a dramatic rescue, where a neighbor was trapped, and two firefighters sustained injuries. NBC Boston's interview with Moriarty revealed a stark reality: "Here's a situation where we could have not only lost a civilian, but we could have lost two firefighters."
The city is addressing the issue by offering rental assistance and collaborating with local nonprofits like Sharing Hope. Others, like fire department Lt. Jamil Ortiz, warn about the dangers of insufficient exits in these makeshift apartments. Reflecting on the dire need for safety, Moriarty told CBS News, "We just want people to be safe and that is our biggest goal, I don't want to stand on the sidewalk and say people died."
With 85% of Lawrence residents in rented homes, the issue is widespread. Residents like Samuel Dela Cruz, who witnessed the Bodwell Street fire and has been searching desperately for a safe, affordable apartment, are caught in the middle. "Rent is really expensive and houses too. I guess if it's happening it's because people are trying to find a cheaper place to live," Dela Cruz told CBS News. In the meantime, Lawrence officials urge tenants to acquire renters' insurance and landlords to follow proper protocols, or they risk substantial fines for code violations.
