Gentile v. Rent Control Board of Somerville

This appeal requires an interpretation of certain provisions of the Rent Control Act (St. 1970, c. 842), an act which permits the control of rents and evictions in cities and certain towns which accept its provisions. See St. 1970, c. 842, § 2. The plaintiff, a tenant in an apartment subject to rent control in the city of Somerville, contends that the Rent Control Board of Somerville (board) was not lawfully authorized to issue a certificate of eviction in favor of his landlord and that the board had a constitutional obligation to conduct an adversary or “trial-type” hearing before issuing…