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.
This bill gives tenants in multi-unit rental properties the first right to purchase their building if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or similar circumstances. It requires tenants to form a Tenant Association (representing at least 51% of occupied units) to exercise this right, with the property then becoming Long-Term Affordable Housing (requiring 30+ years of affordability restrictions for low-income households). Municipalities must adopt this local option for it to apply, and the purchase must be structured through a Tenant Association or its designated entity to ensure the property remains affordable. The bill specifically excludes single-family homes occupied by owners and certain housing types like shelters or temporary dwellings.
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.
This bill expands a short-term housing bridge pilot program to provide interim housing stability for older adults (60+) in Massachusetts who are at risk of eviction due to inability to pay rent. It establishes a steering committee - including housing officials, aging services representatives, homelessness advocates, and older adults with lived experience - to develop and oversee the program’s expansion. The program will ensure participants pay no more than 30% of their income for housing, with performance-based contracts funding service agencies statewide. The committee must file annual reports with the legislature and post them online, including recommendations for statewide implementation by December 31 each year.
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 Mr. Collins, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 957) of Nick Collins for legislation relative to improve access to rental assistance programs. Housing.
By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3127) of Kevin G. Honan relative to the tax deduction for rental payments. Revenue.
By Representative Tyler of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3260) of Chynah Tyler for legislation to authorize tax credits for rent paid on personal residences of taxpayers. Revenue.
By Representative DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1494) of David F. DeCoste relative to rental assistance programs. Housing.
