Housing

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 984: An Act to further regulate tenant fees in rental housing

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 984) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to regulate junk fees in rental housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRegulates tenant fees to prevent excessive charges, strengthening tenant protections in housing as directly stated in bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jun 8, 2026

H 3988: An Act relative to establishing the Barnstable home center for housing resources

The bill HD 2427 is a draft currently being prepared by House Counsel, with no substantive text or details provided in the available context. The title mentions establishing a "Barnstable home center for housing resources," but no specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected parties are described. Without completed bill language or a finalized summary, concrete policy details cannot be confirmed. As a procedural draft, it does not yet outline funding, eligibility, or operational requirements. We recommend checking for updates once the bill is finalized and published.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes a dedicated housing resources center, advancing local housing support services and resource coordination for residents.95% confidence

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Jun 11, 2026

H 3909: An Act authorizing the Provincetown year-round market rate rental housing trust to acquire year-round housing occupancy restrictions

This bill authorizes the Provincetown Year-Round Market Rate Rental Housing Trust (created in 2016) to acquire "year-round housing occupancy restrictions" on properties within Provincetown. These restrictions require that housing on specified land be occupied as a primary residence for at least 11 months annually by renters or owners, preventing seasonal short-term rentals. The trust must get Select Board approval before acquiring such restrictions, which must be recorded in land records and enforced through legal means if violated. The bill directly affects future property owners in Provincetown where these restrictions apply.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes trust to enforce year-round occupancy restrictions, preventing seasonal rental conversion and supporting stable housing availability in Provincetown.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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passed both · Massachusetts · House Jun 18, 2026

H 4186: An Act relative to Affordable Housing Trust Fund of the town of Edgartown

This bill allows Edgartown's Affordable Housing Trust to use funds for community housing projects targeting households earning up to 180% of Dukes County's median household income (as reported by HUD). It directly affects low-to-moderate-income residents in Edgartown who qualify under this income threshold. The key provision expands the trust's spending flexibility for general housing funds, while explicitly stating that Community Preservation Act funds must still follow their separate income limits. The change clarifies how existing trust resources can be applied to support more households in affordable housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes Edgartown's Affordable Housing Trust Fund, directly funding housing programs per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 30, 2026

H 4290: An Act establishing a housing trust fund in the town of Chatham

HD 4878 establishes the Chatham Housing Trust to create and preserve affordable and attainable housing for year-round Chatham residents. The trust fund, separate from other town funds, will receive grants, donations, and rental income to directly finance housing projects meeting income criteria (affordable: up to 100% of area median income; attainable: up to 200%). A 7-member board, appointed by the select board with community representation, will manage the fund and make spending decisions without requiring new town meeting approvals each time. The trust can accept donations, buy/sell property, and use funds specifically for housing projects serving low-to-moderate income households. This bill directly affects Chatham residents seeking housing options and provides a dedicated funding mechanism for local housing initiatives.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes housing trust fund to fund local housing initiatives, advancing affordable housing programs95% confidence

Sub-Topics Housing Finance

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 5, 2026

H 4289: An Act facilitating the appropriation and expenditure of community preservation funds for community housing purposes in the town of Chatham

This bill allows the town of Chatham to use its community preservation funds for housing projects targeting residents earning under 200% of the area median income - expanding eligibility beyond the standard definition in Massachusetts law. It requires approval from Chatham’s community preservation committee for any such spending. The policy directly affects low-to-moderate income families in Chatham seeking affordable housing through the town’s community preservation program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill directs existing community preservation funds for housing, advancing public housing funding through state budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill allocates community preservation funds specifically for community housing in Chatham, directly funding affordable housing initiatives per title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Government Spending

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 4228: An Act providing for rent regulation and control of evictions in manufactured housing parks in the town of Athol

This bill allows the Town of Athol to establish rent regulations and a rent board for manufactured housing parks (mobile home parks) within its borders. The rent board can adjust rents based on factors like property taxes, maintenance costs, and capital improvements, while requiring park owners to register park information under penalty of perjury. It also gives the rent board authority to regulate evictions, with its orders serving as a defense in eviction lawsuits. Violations of rent regulations carry fines up to $1,000. The bill applies exclusively to Athol and takes effect upon passage.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes rent regulation and eviction control in manufactured housing parks, strengthening tenant protections and affordable housing access in Athol.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Nov 13, 2025

S 245: An Act to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 245) of Adam Gomez, Robyn K. Kennedy and Joan B. Lovely for legislation to end housing discrimination in the Commonwealth. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to end housing discrimination, directly strengthening tenant protections and anti-discrimination measures in housing policy.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 19, 2025

H 305: An Act improving housing opportunities

HD 808 requires cities and towns to allow multifamily housing (apartments or condos with more than three units) by right in specific zones covering at least 1.5% of developable land, with a minimum density of 20 units per acre. It removes barriers to open-space residential development by permitting it without special approval, streamlining planning board review for such projects. The bill also establishes standardized site plan review procedures for multifamily developments, requiring simple majority approval and setting clear timelines (90 days) for decisions. This directly affects local zoning laws and developers seeking to build multifamily housing without lengthy permitting processes.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title and summary explicitly state 'improving housing opportunities' related to zoning, directly advancing housing access without restrictions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Property Development Zoning

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in committee · Massachusetts · House Dec 15, 2025

H 4762: An Act establishing a commission to study housing affordability and density reform

H 4762 establishes a commission to study housing affordability and zoning reforms in Massachusetts. The commission will analyze current zoning rules (like minimum lot sizes and restrictions on multi-family housing), examine exclusionary practices affecting low- and moderate-income residents, and study successful approaches from other states. It will use data modeling and expert input to evaluate how zoning changes could increase housing supply and reduce costs, with recommendations due by December 2026. The bill does not enact new laws but aims to inform future policy decisions by the legislature. This study directly affects Massachusetts housing policy development and could influence future zoning regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes commission to study zoning reforms that could increase housing supply and reduce costs, directly advancing affordability goals through data-driven analysis of exclusionary practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning

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