HD 3599 limits annual rent increases for seniors over 60 in private rental housing when their unit is sold to a new owner. It caps rent hikes at the lesser of the local Consumer Price Index change or 5% for five years, provided the tenant is on a public housing waitlist or agrees to apply. The law applies to most private rental units but excludes owner-occupied buildings with two units or less and units already regulated by public authorities. It requires cities/towns to ensure these stabilized units are available to seniors earning 80% or less of the Area Median Income.
This bill creates a new Office of Tenant Protections within Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. It directly affects tenants and landlords by establishing a dedicated office to enforce existing minimum housing standards for habitability (defined in state regulations). The office gains authority to inspect properties, issue noncompliance orders, hold hearings, and impose fines for violations of these standards, working alongside health departments. Final enforcement decisions will be subject to judicial appeal, following procedures similar to those for health board decisions. The bill does not create new housing standards but formalizes enforcement of current regulations (105 CMR 410.000 and 940 CMR 3.17).
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 960) of Cynthia Stone Creem (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Brookline to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]
This bill (HD 2996) regulates excessive fees in rental housing by limiting upfront costs landlords can charge tenants. It prohibits fees for "holding over" after lease expiration, lease renewals, or substitutions, and bans mandatory charges for amenities like internet or insurance. Landlords must disclose optional fees clearly (including cost and cancellation options) and cannot force electronic payments or charge for not using them. Violations require landlords to pay tenants 3x the excess fee plus legal costs. The bill directly affects tenants and landlords in Massachusetts rental agreements.
This bill creates a pilot program allowing cities and towns to apply for participation in a "tenant opportunity to purchase" initiative, directly affecting qualifying communities with high rental rates (70%+), displacement issues, and poverty. Eligible areas must meet specific criteria related to rental housing density, eviction data, and poverty levels, with up to 15 zip codes selected for the program. The pilot requires the housing office to establish regulations by December 2025, accept applications by June 2026, and operate for five years, ending with a report on program outcomes. It focuses on enabling renters in targeted communities to potentially purchase their homes while addressing displacement concerns through structured local planning.
HD 1433 creates "tenant’s escrow accounts" to help rental tenants save for home purchases. Tenants can voluntarily contribute a portion of their rent to these accounts, and landlords may also contribute (with the state matching those contributions). Landlords who contribute can deduct three times the contribution amount from their annual taxable income. The program is administered by the executive office of housing, with funds held in a dedicated "Tenant’s Escrow Fund" that is exempt from certain state financial rules. The bill directly affects renters seeking homeownership and landlords participating in the savings program.
This bill modifies Massachusetts housing assistance rules to better support tenants facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. It removes a requirement that tenants must have a landlord's "notice to quit" to qualify for housing assistance. The executive office must develop clear criteria for determining homelessness risk, in consultation with housing experts and after seeking public feedback. These changes aim to streamline access to support for vulnerable tenants while maintaining administrative transparency.
This bill allows Massachusetts cities and towns to adopt local tenant protections through their own ordinances. Municipalities can choose to implement rent stabilization for multi-family housing (excluding owner-occupant units with ≤3 dwellings and new construction), require "just cause" for evictions (meaning landlords must have valid reasons like nonpayment or lease violations), and establish fair return standards for property owners. It also permits local regulation of tenant fees and creates pathways for income-based housing assistance. The law directly affects tenants and landlords in communities that adopt these provisions, while exempting owner-occupied homes with three or fewer units and housing built within the last 15 years.
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.
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.
