Housing

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 1512: An Act to exempt local housing authorities from the penalties of the MBTA Communities Law

This bill exempts local housing authorities from penalties under the MBTA Communities Law. Specifically, it amends state law to exclude housing authorities defined in Chapter 121B from the penalties for not meeting housing development requirements near transit hubs. The change adds a clear exception to Section 3A of Chapter 40A, ensuring these authorities are not penalized for failing to meet the law's housing goals. This directly affects municipal housing authorities that manage public housing under Chapter 121B.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingExempting housing authorities from MBTA penalties weakens enforcement of housing development requirements under the law.85% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 4074: An Act relative to the development of single family and multi-family housing for veterans

This bill amends zoning laws to prevent local governments from blocking or unreasonably restricting housing developments that specifically serve veterans. It requires that any single or multi-family housing project with a veteran preference (as defined in state law) and an affordable housing deed restriction must not face zoning barriers like special permits or unreasonable restrictions. The law directly affects housing developers and local zoning boards by limiting their ability to deny such projects through discretionary approval processes. This creates a clearer path for building veteran-focused housing that remains affordable long-term, without altering existing housing requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables zoning for veteran housing development, directly advancing housing access and development for a specific group.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly targets housing development for veterans through zoning changes, directly advancing housing benefits as a core veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning Veteran Housing

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 4695: An Act to expand housing opportunities through homesharing

This bill establishes a legal framework for "homesharing" in Massachusetts, allowing homeowners (homesharing providers) to rent a room in their owner-occupied home at below-market rates in exchange for domestic services (e.g., cleaning, meal prep) or reduced living costs. It requires written agreements covering rent, services (limited to 7 hours/week), shared spaces, and household rules, while exempting these arrangements from standard landlord-tenant eviction laws. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) will oversee the program, including setting registration fees, creating a Homesharing Opportunity Relief Fund for emergency assistance (e.g., relocation if agreements fail), and ensuring safety through background checks. The program directly affects homeowners seeking affordable housing help and individuals needing lower-cost housing in exchange for services, excluding medical care or short-term rentals.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands affordable housing via below-market homesharing agreements, creating legal framework for reduced-cost rentals and exempting from standard eviction laws.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Landlords

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1481: An Act to create affordable homes for persons with disabilities

HD 1953 establishes the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide rental assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities. It directly affects persons aged 18-62 with disabilities who earn no more than 80% of the area median income (as defined by HUD). The program offers mobile and project-based vouchers covering rent, security deposits, first and last month's rent, and moving expenses, with households paying 25-30% of their income for housing. Voucher amounts are set by the department based on household size, income, location, and disability-related needs, with optional higher payments approved as reasonable accommodations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly creates affordable homes for persons with disabilities, directly advancing affordable housing through dedicated housing development.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1515: An Act to transform the Commonwealth’s emergency response system and create housing strategies to end the homelessness of unaccompanied adults

This bill requires Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing to study future shelter and housing demand statewide, focusing on converting congregate shelters (dorm-style) to non-congregate shelters (private rooms) and expanding permanent supportive housing. It mandates a five-year plan to build new housing solutions prioritizing unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness, especially elderly, disabled, medically complex, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Key provisions include developing unique housing strategies like long-term vouchers, rapid re-housing, and alternative construction models (e.g., modular units, repurposed hotels). The goal is to replace reliance on congregate shelters with adequate, accessible housing capacity matching each municipality’s population ratio.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates housing strategies to end homelessness of unaccompanied adults, directly addressing housing needs through proactive policy development.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1469: An Act promoting housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program

HD 1042 strengthens Massachusetts' HomeBASE program by expanding housing assistance for families at risk of eviction or needing housing transitions. It provides up to $50,000 in the first 24 months (renewable for $25,000 annually) to eligible families with children under 21 or pregnant individuals, removing income restrictions after enrollment and allowing applications even after eviction court filings. The bill enables families to combine this assistance with other housing funds like "residential assistance for families in transition" when needed, without duplicating support. It directly affects families facing housing instability, particularly those complying with rehousing plans or facing no-fault eviction reasons.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly strengthens HomeBASE program for housing stability, aligning with program funding and tenant protection indicators per topic description.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 6, 2025

H 1496: An Act relative to residential assistance for families in transition (RAFT)

This bill creates the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program to prevent homelessness for low-income households at risk of eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off. It directly affects families with children under 21, elders, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth earning at or below area median income, with 50% of funds reserved for households earning 30% or less of the area median income. The program provides cash benefits covering past-due rent/mortgage (arrearages) or future housing costs (up to 12 months’ rent), and requires coordination with housing agencies to streamline applications. An annual report must track referrals, applications, demographics, and housing outcomes for legislative review.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAdministers residential assistance for homelessness prevention program, directly supporting affordable housing access and preventing homelessness.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Homelessness Property Development

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 11, 2026

H 226: An Act to end child homelessness

By Representative DuBois of Brockton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 226) of Michelle M. DuBois relative to child homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly targets child homelessness, directly aligning with housing support indicators like addressing homelessness and protecting vulnerable populations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1507: An Act limiting rent increases and creating a rental arbitrator

HD 495 limits annual rent increases for most residential tenants to 5% plus the consumer price index or 10%, whichever is lower, affecting landlords and tenants in non-subsidized housing. Landlords may exceed this limit only with written justification for major improvements (like structural repairs), and tenants can appeal increases through a new rental arbitrator position in the Attorney General's office. The arbitrator must resolve disputes within 90 days, order rent refunds for violations, and impose fines up to $1,000 for repeated offenses. Landlords cannot deny lease renewals to avoid these limits, and the arbitrator must annually report on rental market trends.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits rent increases and establishes rental arbitrator, directly strengthening tenant protections and affordability per bill's core purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1013: An Act relative to access to air conditioning and relief from oppressive heat

By Mr. Montigny, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1013) of Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to access to air conditioning and relief from oppressive heat. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates access to AC in housing to protect tenants from oppressive heat, aligning with tenant protection policies under housing topic.85% confidence

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