An Act relative to capital relief in a counterclaim

This bill modifies Massachusetts housing laws to allow tenants to use withheld rent as a counterclaim against landlords for lease violations. To qualify for this relief, tenants must file a court counterclaim along with a bank statement proving they have deposited the withheld rent. Additionally, the bill permits landlords, tenants, or occupants to ask the court to place these deposited funds into an escrow account under terms the judge considers fair. The change directly affects residential lease disputes by adding a specific requirement for proof of rent withholding and introducing a mechanism for holding those funds securely during legal proceedings.