Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 10, 2025

S 224: An Act eliminating forced broker's fees

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 224) of Lydia Edwards, William N. Brownsberger, Cindy F. Friedman and Mike Connolly for legislation to eliminate forced real estate broker's fees. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEliminating forced broker fees reduces transaction costs for housing buyers, potentially increasing affordability and aligning with tenant/affordability indicators.80% confidence

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signed · Massachusetts · House Sep 26, 2025

H 3156: An Act to increase the income limit for Clause 41A, Senior Tax Deferral Program in Ipswich

This bill allows the town of Ipswich to increase the income limit for its Senior Tax Deferral Program (under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 41A) to match the higher threshold in Chapter 62, Section 6, Subsection (k). It directly affects Ipswich seniors who qualify for the tax deferral program by expanding eligibility to include those with higher incomes. The town select board must vote to implement the adjustment, which would take effect for tax exemptions granted starting July 1, 2025. The change aligns Ipswich's program with a broader state income limit for similar senior tax relief.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands senior tax deferral eligibility, providing tax relief to lower-income seniors through increased income limits.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases income limits for senior tax deferral, expanding affordability for low-income seniors in Ipswich by reducing property tax burden on housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 29, 2026

H 3930: An Act authorizing the city of Somerville to impose a real estate transfer fee

Somerville would impose a 2% fee on most real estate transfers (1% paid by the seller, 1% by the buyer), with exemptions for transfers between family members, government entities, and certain vulnerable seniors or qualifying residential property owners. The fee funds the Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which must support programs like community land trusts and purpose-built housing for current or recent residents. The city must track who pays the fee and report annually on how funds are used to support housing stability and affordability. This applies to residential properties (excluding those with four+ units) and requires documentation with property deeds before recording.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes Somerville to impose a real estate transfer fee, generating city revenue through taxation, directly advancing local fiscal management and tax policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingReal estate transfer fees generate revenue that can fund housing programs, aligning with 'funds housing programs' indicator. No explicit use specified but common purpose of such fees.85% confidence

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 18, 2025

HD 4669: An Act to protect small lot ADUs

By Representative Vargas of Haverhill, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Andres X. Vargas for legislation to further regulate zoning for accessory dwelling units. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill protects small lot ADUs, promoting housing development and increasing housing supply, directly advancing affordable housing access through zoning reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 20, 2026

H 3099: An Act authorizing the establishment of a means tested senior citizen property tax exemption

HD 944 creates a property tax exemption for senior citizens in Massachusetts municipalities that adopt the law. It directly affects seniors aged 65+ (or 60+ with a spouse 65+) who own and live in their home as their primary residence, meet income limits tied to the circuit breaker tax credit, and have owned the property in the municipality for 10+ years. The exemption amount, set annually by local officials between 50-200% of the circuit breaker credit, is applied to the homeowner’s primary residence and is in addition to existing exemptions. Municipalities must adopt the law to implement it, and applicants must file annual applications with proof of income and assets.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides targeted property tax relief for low-income seniors, aligning with tax relief for lower income groups under Budget & Taxes policies.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides property tax relief for seniors, reducing housing costs and promoting stability for vulnerable homeowners within housing affordability framework.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 16, 2026

H 2542: An Act to address state sanitation code violations regarding infestations of rental units

This bill establishes clear requirements for addressing pest infestations in rental housing. Tenants must provide written notice of infestations and allow landlords or licensed pest control professionals access (with 24-hour notice) to inspect and treat the unit. Landlords must inspect within 5 business days of notice, hire a certified pest control professional within 10 days, and complete treatments until the infestation is controlled, with a final inspection required 30 days after treatment. Landlords cannot be held liable for infestations if they comply with these steps, and they must verify units are pest-free before leasing new tenants.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses sanitation code violations in rentals, enforcing tenant living standards to protect health and safety, directly strengthening tenant protections under housing policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 5, 2026

S 2493: An Act relative to housing calculations for Chapter 115

SD 618 amends Chapter 115 of Massachusetts General Laws to change how housing assistance shelter allowances are adjusted annually. It requires the Secretary to increase the shelter allowance each July based on two factors: the prior year's January-to-January U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) rise, plus any additional percentage recommended by the Secretary and approved by the legislature. This adjustment directly affects low-income residents receiving housing assistance under Chapter 115. The change ensures benefits more closely track inflation while allowing for legislative input on supplemental increases. The provision takes effect July 1 each year.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill increases annual shelter allowance for veterans, directly funding housing affordability and meeting support criteria for housing assistance.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill increases annual shelter allowance for veterans, directly enhancing housing benefits under Veterans and Federal Affairs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 1071: An Act relative to unlawful practices in the servicing and foreclosure of a subordinate mortgage

By Mr. Driscoll, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1071) of William J. Driscoll, Jr. for legislation relative to unlawful practices in the servicing and foreclosure of a subordinate mortgage. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill targets unlawful foreclosure practices in subordinate mortgages, protecting property rights and preventing housing loss through legal safeguards.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Mortgages

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1664: An Act relative to rent escrow

This bill (H 1664) modifies Massachusetts court procedures for rent escrow in eviction cases. It requires tenants who withhold rent (e.g., to cover repairs) to deposit the withheld amount into a court-held account instead of paying it directly to landlords. The deposit covers rent due under the lease, calculated from when withholding began, and must be held until the eviction case concludes. If the tenant wins, funds go first toward repairs; if the landlord wins, the tenant must pay the full amount. The bill is currently pending review by the Judiciary Committee and is not yet law.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires court-held rent escrow for tenant withholding, ensuring tenant funds used for repairs if tenant wins eviction case, strengthening tenant protections in housing disputes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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vetoed · Massachusetts · House Oct 23, 2025

H 4240: An Act making appropriations for the fiscal year 2026 for the maintenance of the departments, boards, commissions, institutions and certain activities of the Commonwealth, for interest, sinking fund and serial bond requirements, and for certain permanent improvements

H 4240 is a 2026 state budget bill that allocates funding for Massachusetts government operations. It provides specific appropriations for departments like the General Fund ($4.3 million), the Commission Against Discrimination (via amendments to Chapter 6), and other agencies for services including disability support and housing assistance. Key provisions include funding for the Commission on Discrimination's operations and requirements for distributing funds to communities based on established formulas. The bill directs state spending across various programs but does not create new policies or alter existing laws beyond budgetary allocations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $4.3M to General Fund and funds disability/housing programs, directly advancing public service funding under budget appropriations.92% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllocates funding for housing assistance and Commission on Discrimination operations related to housing discrimination prevention, directly advancing housing policy goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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