Housing (Renters) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1886: An Act relative to rent escrow

This bill (HD 1886) creates a court-ordered rent escrow process for tenants facing eviction in Massachusetts. It requires tenants who want to withhold rent for repairs to deposit the full amount due (including fair market value from when withholding began) into court escrow during eviction proceedings. Funds held in escrow must first cover repair costs if the tenant wins the case. Tenants who fail to make the deposit face a mandatory court trial without delay. The bill directly affects tenants in eviction cases who need to withhold rent to address housing issues.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1141: An Act relative to assisting elders and people with disabilities in the Commonwealth

This bill (HD 1141) updates Massachusetts assistance programs for elders and people with disabilities. It requires that individuals experiencing homelessness - those with no permanent residence or staying in temporary shelters - to receive the same payment rates as those paying for shelter (like rent or mortgage), with the department creating rules to implement this. It also mandates annual budget increases for recipients based on the U.S. Consumer Price Index plus an additional percentage approved by the legislature, and sets the program's maximum benefit level equal to a similar program in Chapter 118. These changes directly affect low-income elders and disabled residents who are homeless or in temporary housing.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness Mortgages Renters

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2544: An Act providing for pre-service training for members of mobile home rent control boards

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1020) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide pre-service training free of charge for members of mobile home rent control boards. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 11, 2025

S 1020: An Act providing for pre-service training for members of mobile home rent control boards

By Mr. Oliveira, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1020) of Jacob R. Oliveira for legislation to provide pre-service training free of charge for members of mobile home rent control boards. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 5, 2025

H 1565: An Act providing for pre-service training for members of mobile home rent control boards

By Representative Saunders of Belchertown, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1565) of Aaron L. Saunders relative to an education and training program for new and existing members of mobile home rent control boards. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 158: An Act relative to consumer rights of renters

HD 158 limits how far in advance landlords can require new lease signings. It prohibits landlords or their agents from asking tenants to sign a lease more than three months before their current lease ends. This directly affects renters in residential properties by preventing long-term binding agreements before their current term concludes. The key provision enforces a clear 90-day maximum window for signing new leases, giving renters more flexibility and control over their housing contracts.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 417: An Act relative to manufactured housing

HD 417 modifies Massachusetts rent rules for manufactured home communities. It adds a provision stating that any rent increase not applied equally to all tenants in a similar group creates a rebuttable presumption of unfairness. The bill also specifies that differences in when tenants moved in make groups dissimilar for rent purposes, meaning rent changes based on move-in dates could be challenged. This applies retroactively to past rent changes affecting manufactured home tenants directly. The law aims to ensure greater consistency in rent adjustments within these communities.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1509: An Act establishing the gateway cities renewable, efficient, and electrified neighborhoods initiative

This bill establishes the GREEN Initiative to retrofit low and moderate-income housing in qualifying Massachusetts municipalities (including "gateway cities" and smaller qualifying towns) to be highly energy efficient, use clean heating/cooking technologies (like heat pumps and induction stoves), and prioritize on-site renewable energy where possible. It creates a dedicated GREEN Initiative Account funded by utility companies (up to $30 million annually) to cover retrofit costs, including pre-work upgrades, and provides financial incentives for sponsors like municipalities or nonprofits. The initiative requires tenant protections against rent increases tied to retrofits through "tenant-owner weatherization agreements" and prioritizes buildings with six or fewer housing units. Sponsors must collect data, share project results publicly in multiple languages, and meet goals for minority/women-owned contractor participation.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Renewable Energy Renters

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2522: An Act to promote housing stability

This bill (HD 2522) changes eviction court procedures to help tenants facing eviction. It requires courts to pause eviction proceedings if tenants meet specific conditions, instead ordering them to pay the fair market rent into a court-controlled escrow account during the case. Landlords or tenants can request this escrow, and courts must schedule a prompt hearing on the motion. If tenants fail to pay into escrow, the case moves to a trial immediately. The law directly affects tenants in eviction cases and landlords seeking possession of rental properties.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4158: An Act providing for pre-service training for members of mobile home rent control boards

This bill requires the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to create an annual training program for all members of mobile home rent control boards, including both new and existing members. The training must be offered free of charge in multiple accessible locations across the state, as well as online, and must be developed with input from the Massachusetts Municipal Association. It directly affects local board members who oversee rent regulations for mobile home communities. The program aims to standardize knowledge and procedures for these boards through mandatory, accessible education.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters

All housing bills