This bill establishes a legal framework for "homesharing" in Massachusetts, allowing homeowners (homesharing providers) to rent rooms in their owner-occupied homes to others (homesharers) in exchange for services like housekeeping or meal prep, at below-market rent. It requires written agreements covering rent, shared spaces, service limits (max 7 hours/week, no healthcare), and termination notices, while exempting these arrangements from standard landlord-tenant laws. The bill also creates a Homesharing Opportunity Relief Fund to assist with relocation costs if agreements fail, and mandates minimum insurance coverage ($1 million for providers, $100,000 for homesharers). It directly affects homeowners seeking to share their homes and homesharers providing services for reduced rent.
HD 4092 requires Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing to create regulations by January 1, 2024, allowing landlords to apply for rental assistance programs on behalf of their tenants. This directly affects tenants eligible for programs like the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, Alternative Housing Voucher Program, and Rental Assistance for Families in Transition. The key provision mandates that housing authorities and contracted agencies accept these landlord-submitted applications for rental assistance. The bill aims to simplify access to housing support by removing a barrier that previously required tenants to apply directly.
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.
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 (SD 817) protects tenants with pets from eviction during emergencies and standardizes pet policies in housing. Landlords cannot evict tenants for having pets during a state of emergency (for one year after it ends) unless pets cause actual harm, and hotels cannot unreasonably refuse pets during emergencies. It bans housing rules that restrict pets based on breed, size, or appearance, and allows landlords to charge a capped additional rent (max 1% of rent per dog or total for other pets), excluding service animals. These changes directly affect renters, landlords, and housing authorities, aiming to prevent pet-related housing discrimination.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to allow individual cities and towns to create their own laws regarding tenant protections. Housing.
This bill (HD 1307) formalizes pet-friendly policies for elderly residents in state-aided public housing across Massachusetts. It directly affects elderly tenants by prohibiting housing authorities from banning dogs based on breed, size, or appearance, requiring declawing, charging pet deposits over $160 or one month’s rent, or evicting solely for having a pet. Key provisions include banning breed restrictions, limiting deposits, and requiring housing authorities to update pet ownership regulations. An advisory group, including tenant advocates and animal welfare representatives, will help develop housing-specific pet policies and guidance for housing authorities. The bill aims to standardize pet access while ensuring housing authorities comply with these new requirements.
This bill establishes a 10-member special commission to develop rules for insurance companies setting rates on two types of housing: properties with affordability restrictions (like rent-controlled units) and properties where tenants use housing vouchers. The commission, including housing advocates, industry representatives, and agency heads, must create a framework for these rates and report its findings to key legislative committees by December 31, 2026. It directly affects insurance companies and the affordable housing sector by targeting how insurance costs are determined for these specific properties. The bill itself does not change current law but creates a process for potential future policy recommendations.
HD 1706 prevents landlords from evicting tenants solely due to having a pet during a state of emergency (unless the pet causes harm), and bans breed-based restrictions in housing rules, condo bylaws, and tenant screening. It limits additional rent for common household pets to 1% of monthly rent per dog or cumulatively for other pets, while exempting service animals. The bill also prohibits insurance companies from denying coverage or increasing premiums based on dog breed, except for designated dangerous dogs. These changes apply to residential landlords, housing authorities, and insurers, aiming to reduce pet-related housing barriers.
By Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 957) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to improve access to rental assistance programs. Housing.
