Suffolk Court Ruled on Willow Terrace Rental Dispute
A Superior Court judge denied a motion to dismiss a lawsuit challenging rental rates at a Taunton mobile home park.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Apartments
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In August 2026, the Suffolk Superior Court rejected a motion to dismiss a Commonwealth lawsuit against the Boavida Group regarding rental pricing. The court permitted the state to move forward with claims that leases at the Willow Terrace mobile home park exceeded fair market rates.
Why it matters
The decision affirms the state's authority to enforce Manufactured Housing Act regulations meant to protect residents from excessive housing costs. This legal development ensures the ongoing challenge to rental practices at the local property will proceed through the court system.
The legal action concerns the 73 lots located at Willow Terrace Mobile Home Park. A preliminary injunction currently mandates that monthly rent cannot exceed $385.
The players
Boavida Group
This organization operates the Willow Terrace Mobile Home Park in Taunton.
Suffolk Superior Court
This judicial body is responsible for overseeing the civil litigation involving the rental rate dispute.
The details
The court's denial of the motion allows the Commonwealth to advance its argument under Count V of the First Amended Complaint. The presiding judge found no legal barriers preventing the state from requiring that property owners adhere to fair market rental standards under the Manufactured Housing Act.
Timeline
November 18, 2025: Court issued preliminary injunction capping rent at $385.
August 2026: Suffolk Superior Court denied the motion to dismiss.
January 1, 2028: Expiration date for the court-ordered rent cap.
Culture Shift
The litigation reflects a broader trend of state-level intervention into housing affordability for mobile home communities. This action highlights the increasing regulatory scrutiny applied to property management companies operating within established statutory frameworks like the Manufactured Housing Act.
Tenants currently residing at Willow Terrace are protected by a court-ordered cap that limits monthly rent to $385. This ruling also prohibits eviction proceedings against any resident who fails to pay rental amounts exceeding that court-mandated figure.
The takeaway
This case highlights the importance of state consumer protection laws in regulating housing costs for vulnerable populations. Residents facing similar disputes should monitor official court updates to understand how legal injunctions apply to their specific rental agreements.
What happens next
The preliminary injunction regarding the $385 rent cap remains in effect until a final judgment is reached or until January 1, 2028.
Further reading
For more information on regional housing regulations, visit the Apartments section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.
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