Housing (Renters) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3599: An Act relative to avoiding senior homelessness and maintaining senior housing stabilization of rents

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness Homeownership Renters

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1651: An Act establishing the gateway cities renewable, efficient, and electrified neighborhoods initiative

This bill creates the GREEN Initiative to retrofit existing low- and moderate-income housing in designated "gateway" municipalities (or smaller qualifying communities) to meet ultra-energy-efficient standards. It requires retrofits to use clean heating (like heat pumps) and cooking technologies (like induction stoves), with priority for buildings under six housing units. Funding comes from utility companies (up to $30 million annually) and other sources, while protecting tenants from rent hikes tied to weatherization work through enforceable "tenant-owner agreements." The goal is to reduce emissions in affordable housing through energy-efficient upgrades powered by renewable electricity where possible.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Affordable Housing Renters

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1223: An Act relative to rental protections for elderly, disabled and low-to-middle income tenants

By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1152) of Jason M. Lewis and Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to the termination of rental agreements or tenancy by certain tenants. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2499: An Act authorizing the town of Brookline to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections

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.]

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1214: An Act providing renter relief tax credit

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1970) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to provide an increase in the renter relief tax credit. Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2996: An Act to regulate junk fees in rental housing

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 29, 2025

HD 4728: A monthly report of the Executive Office of the Trial Court (under Section 15 of Chapter 239 of the General Laws, as amended by Section 64 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023) submitting its report on filings, actions, and dispositions of summary process cases relative to permanent rental protections

HD 4728 requires the Executive Office of the Trial Court to submit a monthly report on eviction cases (summary process cases) involving permanent rental protections. The report must detail the number of cases filed, court actions taken, and case outcomes. This data will provide transparency on how rental protection measures are applied in Massachusetts court proceedings.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1507: An Act limiting rent increases and creating a rental arbitrator

By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1507) of William C. Galvin for legislation to limit rent increases and create a rental arbitrator within the office of the Attorney General. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 768: An Act petition for a special law authorizing the city of Boston to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections

This bill authorizes the City of Boston to implement local rent stabilization and eviction protections. It would let Boston set annual rent increase limits (based on inflation plus 6%, capped at 10%) for most rental units, excluding small buildings, hotels, hospitals, and certain subsidized housing. It also requires "just cause" for evictions, prohibiting landlords from removing tenants without valid reasons like non-payment, lease violations, or illegal activity. The policy directly affects Boston renters and landlords in covered properties, aiming to address housing insecurity and prevent displacement.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 969: An Act relative to the use of credit reporting for rent-subsidized tenants

SD 969 prohibits landlords from using credit reports for tenant screening when applicants or tenants receive government rent subsidies (like Section 8 housing vouchers). It directly affects landlords, property managers, and tenants with such subsidies by banning the use, request, or requirement of credit checks for rental decisions. Key provisions include requiring written consent for any credit check (with specific disclosures), preventing landlords from passing credit check costs to tenants, and banning retaliation against tenants who challenge violations. The law also enforces anti-discrimination protections and makes non-compliance an unfair practice under Chapter 93A.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

All housing bills