Two Pine Valley Tenants Win Their Eviction Cases
Settlement reached during second mediation session
Source: Easthampton Tenants Union | February 10th, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Easthampton, MA, February 10, 2026 – Two tenants who received no-fault eviction notices from their landlord have won their cases without having to go to trial. The settlement includes a minimal rent increase, monetary damages, and the opportunity to engage in collective bargaining for other tenants.
Pine Valley Realty notified Mona Shadi and Roland Decaires of rent increases of $300 and $350 in August. When their leases were up in October, they refused to pay the higher amount and continued to pay their existing rent, as is their right under Massachusetts law. Many other tenants did agree to pay more because they believed they had no choice. In a good-faith attempt to request negotiation, Ms. Shadi organized with other tenants and sent letters to their landlord, Matthew Gawle of Pine Valley Realty. He denied those requests and initiated no-fault evictions against Ms. Shadi and Mr. Decaires.
Thanks to organized actions by the Easthampton Tenants Union and the legal counsel of Joel Feldman, whose Springfield firm specializes in tenants’ rights, a successful outcome was reached after two pre-trial mediation sessions. The two neighbors will now pay increases of only $45 and $50, locked in with a one-year lease, and will receive substantial monetary damages. Also part of the negotation was a demand that Pine Valley Realty engage in collective bargaining for all of its tenants, and a meeting date has been set.
When asked how he felt about the win, Mr. Decaires said, “I was really surprised! And I really appreciate it. I’ve lived a long time in this world and had to fight for everything. I’m not afraid of fighting again. I’m still in support of everyone involved.”
“These Easthampton tenants were glad to work out a resolution of their cases through the mediation process, rather than having to defend themselves in an eviction trial,” said Mr. Feldman. “The results here show the benefits of landlords being willing to meet at the earliest possible time with their tenants and then negotiating face-to-face, rather than unilaterally putting their tenants at risk of eviction and potential homelessness.”
Reflecting on the course of events, Ms. Shadi emphasized the critical importance of both organizing with other tenants and having access to legal counsel. She noted that on average, there are 40,000 evictions in Massachusetts every year, 25% of which are no-fault, and only 7% of tenants being evicted have legal representation.
With the support of the Easthampton Tenants Union, Pine Valley tenants continue to organize and take action regarding rent increases, as well as maintenance issues that have been neglected for years. Mr. Gawle owns many apartment complexes in Easthampton, with a total of around 230 units.
The Easthampton Tenants Union was formed to build solidarity among renters and others in the community in response to unreasonable rent hikes and poor management by landlords and property owners. We provide support, encouragement, resources, referrals, and expertise. We help individual tenant groups organize direct actions. We collaborate with city government and
have allies at the state level. Our mission is to empower people to stand up for their legal rights and foster solidarity across the city of Easthampton and the surrounding community.
