The decision by Judge Otake rejected an attempt by the Front Street Apartments developer to unilaterally end restrictions that are meant to keep rents affordable there until 2051.

Without the court challenge, ending of rent restrictions could have led to the doubling or tripling of rents and the eviction of low-income tenants who were unable to pay.

The lawsuit challenged a developer’s attempt to increase rents to market rate, or sell the property without restrictions.