This bill creates a new chapter in Massachusetts law to prevent companies from using software to coordinate rental prices among landlords. It defines "service providers" as any entity that collects rental data and recommends prices to landlords, and prohibits landlords from paying these services to set or influence rent amounts. The law also bans agreements among landlords not to compete with each other on pricing and makes it easier for tenants to sue for violations by removing barriers like arbitration clauses and class-action waivers. Landlords who violate the rules could face legal penalties, and successful plaintiffs would be entitled to recover their legal costs and attorney fees.
This bill requires the Executive Office of the Trial Court to submit a monthly report on summary process cases involving permanent rental protections. The report will detail the number of filings, actions taken, and case dispositions for these specific housing-related eviction proceedings. It directly affects the state's trial court administration and stakeholders monitoring rental protection enforcement. The bill establishes a routine data reporting mechanism to track how these cases are processed over time.
Senate, March 12, 2026 -- The committee on Housing, to whom was referred the petitions (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 994) of Cindy F. Friedman and Julian Cyr for legislation to prohibit algorithmic rent setting; and (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1016) of Michael O. Moore, Patricia D. Jehlen and James B. Eldridge for legislation to establish the Preventing Algorithmic Rent Fixing in the Rental Housing Market Act., report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2983).
This bill serves as a formal communication from state executive offices to submit a biweekly report on the emergency housing assistance program. It directly affects the administration of housing aid by requiring the submission of updated data regarding shelter applications received between January 8 and January 21, 2026. The report includes statistics on applications and days in shelter for the specified period, providing current information to relevant authorities. This procedural measure does not create new policy but rather documents existing program activity for record-keeping purposes.
Senate, March 12, 2026 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 995) of Adam Gomez for legislation relative to the use of credit reporting in housing, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2982).
Senate, March 9, 2026 -- The committee on Housing to whom was referred the petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 965) of Julian Cyr for legislation to promote fair housing by preventing discrimination against affordable housing, report the accompanying bill (Senate, No. 2980).
By Mr. DiDomenico, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 3022) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Sal N. DiDomenico and Pavel M. Payano for legislation to create the engaging neighborhoods, organizations, unions, governments, and households fund. Housing.
Report of the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (pursuant to Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024, Section 10 of Chapter 1 of the Acts of 2025, and Section 88 of Chapter 73 of the Acts of 2025) submitting its Emergency Housing Assistance Program bi-weekly report
This bill modifies Massachusetts solar incentive programs to ensure renters and low-income customers can participate more equitably. It defines low-income multi-residential buildings as eligible for incentives if they meet state low-income housing standards or receive federal low-income housing tax credits. Under the new rules, each qualifying building counts as a single customer regardless of how many units or utility meters it contains, simplifying billing and incentive distribution for electric companies. The legislation aims to increase access to solar benefits for economically disadvantaged households without changing the underlying incentive program structure.
This bill formally acknowledges the submission of a biweekly report on the emergency housing assistance program to the legislature. The report, dated February 5, 2026, details data related to shelter applications and program activities during the period from January 22 to February 4. It serves as a procedural document to keep legislative oversight bodies informed about the current status and usage of emergency housing funds. The bill does not create new policies but rather records existing administrative actions for transparency and record-keeping purposes.
