Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3774: An Act relative to voluntary municipal right of first refusal

This bill allows municipalities to voluntarily participate in a program giving them the first right to purchase certain properties for affordable housing. It directly affects property owners of buildings with three or fewer units or mid-size multifamily buildings who receive an offer to sell. Municipalities must be notified by the owner when a sale offer is received, then have 120 days to inspect, match the sale price, and buy the property to maintain as permanently deed-restricted affordable housing. Owners of qualifying properties receive up to $500 per unit (capped at $10,000 per property) plus recording costs, with total program payments limited to $5 million. The program is administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development under new regulations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables municipalities to acquire properties for permanent affordable housing via right of first refusal, directly advancing affordable housing goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Community Development Property Development

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 705: An Act improving access to the Housing Court

HD 705 requires the Housing Court to hold at least one session each week in Nantucket County and at least one session each week in Dukes County. This directly affects residents and renters in these two counties who use the Housing Court for housing disputes, improving their local access to court services. The bill amends the General Laws to mandate these specific weekly sessions in both locations. This change is limited to scheduling requirements and does not alter the court's jurisdiction or other procedures.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingImproves tenant access to Housing Court for disputes in Nantucket/Dukes Counties, strengthening tenant rights through better court accessibility.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4373: An Act establishing a real estate transfer fee upon the transfer of residential property in the Town of Falmouth for the purpose of funding affordable housing

This bill imposes a real estate transfer fee on residential property sales in Falmouth where the purchase price is $1 million or more. Sellers pay a graduated fee: 1% on amounts over $1 million up to $1.5 million, plus additional percentages for higher tiers (e.g., 1.5% on amounts over $1.5 million up to $2 million, and 2% above $2 million). All collected fees go directly to the Falmouth Affordable Housing Fund, which uses them for affordable housing projects. Exemptions include government transfers, family sales, charitable organizations, and properties under existing affordable housing restrictions. The fee applies to residential transfers only, with sellers required to submit documentation verifying the purchase price and fee amount.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingImposes transfer fee on high-value residential sales to directly fund affordable housing projects via dedicated fund, explicitly advancing housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3381: An Act establishing the Martha’s Vineyard housing bank

HD 3381 establishes a transfer fee on property sales in Dukes County towns (Martha’s Vineyard) to fund year-round affordable housing preservation. The bill requires purchasers to pay a fee of 0.5% to 2% on the portion of a property’s sale price exceeding a set threshold, with rates potentially varying by property type or price. The collected fees will support a regional housing trust fund managed by member towns to maintain properties as permanently affordable for low- and moderate-income households. This directly affects property buyers and sellers in Dukes County, with the fee applying to most real estate transactions to generate dedicated funding for housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes transfer fee to fund affordable housing preservation, directly supporting low/moderate-income housing through dedicated trust fund.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3171: An Act establishing a zero carbon renovation fund

This bill creates a $300 million Zero Carbon Renovation Fund to support energy upgrades in existing buildings across Massachusetts. It directly affects affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, public schools, municipal buildings, and certified small businesses by funding renovations that must include all-electric systems, on-site renewable energy, and low-carbon materials. The fund covers costs for energy efficiency improvements and necessary pre-renovation repairs like lead paint removal or electrical upgrades. Administered by multiple state agencies, the fund prioritizes environmental justice communities and gateway cities while ensuring unspent funds carry over annually.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds $300M for zero-carbon building renovations requiring on-site renewables, all-electric systems, and energy efficiency, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds zero-carbon building renovations with renewable energy and low-carbon materials, directly reducing emissions and advancing climate goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingDirectly funds energy upgrades for affordable housing, low/moderate income homes, and necessary repairs like lead paint removal, advancing housing sustainability and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Environmental Justice Affordable Housing

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 4171: An Act relative to the emergency housing assistance program and universal background checks

By Representatives Frost of Auburn and Xiarhos of Barnstable, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1503) of Paul K. Frost, Joseph D. McKenna and others relative to the emergency housing assistance program and universal background checks. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill establishes emergency housing assistance program, directly funding housing support for vulnerable residents per title and summary.95% confidence

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 27, 2025

HD 3493: 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 ending child homelessness, directly advancing housing stability and protections for vulnerable populations under housing policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4242: An Act relative to the Maggie Hubbard rental safety act

This bill requires safety inspections for buildings or structures used as short-term rentals in Massachusetts, such as properties rented on platforms like Airbnb. It directly affects property owners and managers who operate short-term rental units. The key provision mandates that these properties undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety standards, including structural integrity and fire safety. The bill aims to protect tenants and residents by preventing unsafe conditions in short-term rental properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates safety inspections for short-term rentals to protect tenants from unsafe conditions, directly advancing tenant safety protections per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2421: An Act relative to ensuring the equitable protection of homestead

HD 2421 expands homestead exemptions to provide greater financial protection for vulnerable homeowners in Massachusetts. It adds a 25% additional exemption for residents aged 65+ or those with a documented disability meeting federal SSI criteria, while setting annual exemption limits between $250,000 and $1.25 million based on county median home values - adjusted yearly for inflation. First-time homebuyers earning under 120% of area median income qualify for a temporary 10% exemption boost during their first five years. The bill also requires the state to launch an education campaign about homestead rights and publish annual reports tracking exemption usage and impacts, effective January 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands homestead exemptions for vulnerable homeowners (65+/disabled) and adds affordability boost for first-time buyers under 120% AMI, directly advancing housing protection and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Property Taxes

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 985: An Act relative to 40B condominium units

By Mr. Fattman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 985) of Ryan C. Fattman for legislation to develop an expense reimbursement program relative to 40B condominium units. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates expense reimbursement for 40B condominium units, directly supporting affordable housing development under MA's 40B law which advances housing access.95% confidence

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