An Act limiting rent increases and creating a rental arbitrator

This bill establishes a new rental arbitrator within the Massachusetts Attorney General's office to help resolve disputes between landlords and tenants regarding rent increases. It limits how much a landlord can raise rent for an existing tenant within a 12-month period, capping the increase at the lower of 5 percent plus the Chained Consumer Price Index or 10 percent, unless the landlord can prove specific causes like major improvements or adding new tenants. The law also prevents landlords from refusing to renew a lease simply to avoid these restrictions and allows tenants to appeal unauthorized increases to the arbitrator, who must issue a decision within 90 days. Landlords found in violation of these rules must refund overpaid rent and face monetary fines, while the arbitrator retains the ability to adjust limits annually based on market conditions.