Landlord Seeks Eviction of Somerville Tenant After Rent Hike

Jury trial begins over landlord's attempt to evict tenant for non-payment of rent after 90% rent increase.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:35am

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A jury trial has begun in Somerville, Massachusetts over a landlord's attempt to evict a tenant, Gary Rogers, for non-payment of rent after the landlord, real estate investor Ryan Pinto, raised the rent by 90% on Rogers' one-bedroom apartment. Pinto's attorneys argue the case is simply about Rogers refusing to follow the rules, while Rogers' attorney claims Pinto did not properly follow eviction procedures.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between landlords and tenants in the Boston area, where rising rents and gentrification have led to increased eviction cases and concerns over tenant protections. The outcome could set a precedent for how courts handle large rent increases and no-fault eviction proceedings.

The details

Pinto purchased the building where Rogers lived in February 2024 and immediately raised the rent from $1,250 to $2,200 per month, a 90% increase. Rogers continued paying $1,150 per month, leading Pinto to file for a no-fault eviction. Pinto's attorneys argue the rent hike was necessary to cover increased costs, while Rogers' attorney claims Pinto did not properly follow eviction procedures.

  • The jury trial began on March 31, 2026.
  • Pinto purchased the building in February 2024.
  • Pinto raised Rogers' rent from $1,250 to $2,200 per month in February 2024.
  • Rogers continued paying $1,150 per month starting in December 2023.
  • Pinto filed the no-fault eviction case in April 2024.

The players

Gary Rogers

A Somerville resident facing eviction for non-payment of rent after his landlord raised the rent by 90%.

Ryan Pinto

A real estate investor who purchased the building where Rogers lived and raised the rent, leading to the eviction case.

Jahangir 'Jay' Zaheer

One of Pinto's attorneys, who argued the case is simply about Rogers refusing to follow the rules.

Emily Mattioli

The attorney representing Rogers, who claims Pinto did not properly follow eviction procedures.

All County Property Select Management

The property management company overseeing the building where Rogers lived.

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What they’re saying

“This case is not about standing up for rights, because rights come with responsibilities. This case is not about a movement. This case is about Mr. Rogers asking, 'why should I follow the rules if I don't have to?'”

— Jahangir 'Jay' Zaheer, Attorney for Ryan Pinto

“This case was filed as a no-fault eviction case, which means that Mr. Pinto alleges that Mr. Rogers did nothing wrong. That's because he didn't.”

— Emily Mattioli, Attorney for Gary Rogers

“An at-fault eviction ... it doesn't look good on a tenant's application. I wanted to avoid that.”

— Ryan Pinto, Landlord

What’s next

The rest of the plaintiff's witnesses are expected to testify on Tuesday, and the judge will decide whether to allow Rogers to remain in the apartment on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between landlords and tenants in the Boston area, where large rent increases and no-fault eviction proceedings have become increasingly common. The outcome could set an important precedent for tenant protections in the region.