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

This bill expands rental protections in Massachusetts for elderly, disabled, and low-to-middle-income tenants by allowing them to move into specialized housing without penalty. Specifically, eligible tenants can terminate their current lease with at least 30 days' written notice if they are accepted into facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living residences, public housing, or other designated affordable housing options. The legislation prohibits landlords from charging penalties or refusing future rentals based on this move and declares any lease clauses that waive this right as unenforceable. Additionally, it grants courts the authority to stop violations of these rules and requires the state housing department to create regulations defining the scope of protected housing types.