SD 1771 establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing housing-related legal actions, such as evictions or termination of housing subsidies. Eligible individuals must qualify as indigent (e.g., receiving public assistance, earning ≤80% of area median income, or unable to afford legal fees without hardship). The program, funded by dedicated state appropriations and administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, requires landlords to provide a standardized form explaining legal aid eligibility to tenants. Designated nonprofit organizations will deliver full legal counsel through partner attorneys, with oversight from an advisory committee and a phased 5-year implementation.
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.
By Mr. Moore, a petition (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. Housing.
By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 997) of Adam Gomez for legislation to create an office of tenant protections within the executive office of housing and livable communities. Housing.
By Ms. Friedman, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 994) of Cindy F. Friedman and Julian Cyr for legislation to prohibit algorithmic rent setting. Housing.
HD 2501 allows cities and towns to adopt local rent stabilization and tenant protection measures. It enables municipalities to limit annual rent increases to the lower of the local Consumer Price Index or 5%, and requires landlords to have "just cause" (like nonpayment, lease violations, or property conversion) to evict tenants. The bill directly affects renters in participating municipalities, excluding owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, new construction (for five years), college dorms, senior facilities, and units subject to public housing regulation. Municipalities must adopt local ordinances within 180 days of acceptance and report annually to the state housing office. The law does not override existing state or federal tenant protections.
HD 2734 is a draft bill titled "An Act to protect residents experiencing significant elevations in rent for viable and effective affordable housing." As a work-in-progress document prepared by House Counsel, it has not yet been finalized or introduced for public review. The bill's title indicates it aims to address rapid rent increases in affordable housing, but specific provisions, mechanisms, or affected groups are not detailed in the available draft text. Without access to the completed bill language, a substantive summary of its policy changes cannot be provided.
By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1011) of Liz Miranda for legislation to promote housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program. Housing.
