Relocation benefits shall be paid to the tenant within ten days after the date on which the tenant vacates the unit with the following exception: in recognition of the fact that many relocation costs must be paid in whole or in part before a tenant actually moves out, the owner shall, upon request of the tenant, make payments, up to the amount authorized by this section, directly to a moving company, realtor, storage facility, or successor landlord (upon receipt of a signed lease, tenancy at will agreement, or letter signed by the prospective landlord indicating that he/she has agreed to rent a particular unit to the tenant as of a date certain with a copy of proof of ownership), prior to the date on which they vacate the premises.
(f)
Housing search assistance. Any owner shall assist elderly, disabled, and low or moderate income tenants who are entitled to notice of intent to convert by locating, within the five-year period of the notice to such tenants, comparable rental housing within the City of Somerville which rents, for at least the remainder of the notice period, for a sum which is equal to or less than the sum which any such tenant had been paying for the tenant’s unit. The failure of the owner of such residential property to find such comparable housing shall extend the period of notice required by section 7-64(a)(2)(F) until the owner locates such comparable rental housing, or for two additional years, whichever occurs first.