Housing (Tenant Rights) in Massachusetts

passed · Massachusetts · House Nov 7, 2025

H 1477: An Act enabling local options for tenant protections

By Representative Connolly of Cambridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1477) of Mike Connolly and Lindsay N. Sabadosa for legislation to remove the prohibition on rent control and to provide tenant and foreclosure protections. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Mortgages Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 984: An Act to further regulate tenant fees in rental housing

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 984) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to regulate junk fees in rental housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 4228: An Act providing for rent regulation and control of evictions in manufactured housing parks in the town of Athol

By Representative Whipps of Athol and Senator Comerford, a joint petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 4228) of Susannah M. Whipps and Joanne M. Comerford (by vote of the town) that the town of Athol be authorized to regulate rents for the use or occupancy of manufactured housing parks in said town. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 524: An Act allowing for a tax credit for rent paid on the personal residence of the taxpayer

This bill creates a state tax credit for Massachusetts renters whose rent exceeds 30% of their gross income. It provides a credit equal to a percentage of the excess rent, based on income: 100% for under $25,000, 75% for $25k-$50k, 50% for $50k-$75k, 25% for $75k-$100k, and a $3,000 maximum for higher earners. The credit applies only to rent paid for a primary residence in Massachusetts, including utilities (capped at HUD's fair market rent plus 25%). The credit takes effect for tax years beginning January 1, 2024.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 526: An Act to establish a commission to review equitable city planning and development

This bill establishes a Commission on Equitable City Planning and Development within the state department. It requires large municipalities (over 100,000 residents) to have their planning agencies periodically assess fair housing access and anti-displacement efforts, then create improvement plans based on those assessments. The commission, composed of department and anti-discrimination agency leaders plus a tenant advocate, oversees this process and can issue necessary rules. The law directly affects city planning departments in major municipalities, mandating concrete steps to address housing discrimination and displacement. It focuses on requiring local assessments and action plans, not on specific housing outcomes.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Land Use Tenant Rights Zoning

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 836: An Act relative to residential assistance for families in transition (RAFT)

This bill creates the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program to prevent homelessness for low-income households. It provides cash benefits or services to families at or below area median income who face eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-offs within 12 months, without requiring prior legal notices or shut-off warnings. Benefits cover past-due rent/mortgage (up to actual debt) or future payments for up to 12 months' rent, with 50% of funds reserved for households earning ≤30% of area median income. The program specifically serves families with children under 21, elders, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth. The Department of Housing must annually report detailed data on program usage, demographics, and outcomes to state legislative committees.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 847: An Act establishing a bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness

HD 847 establishes a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness, defining this group to include those in shelters, vehicles, parks, or transitional housing. It guarantees specific rights such as free use of public spaces without discrimination based on housing status, access to medical care (including pandemic-related services), and the ability to vote without requiring a fixed address. The law also prohibits discrimination in employment and housing based on housing status and protects privacy of information shared with shelters. It amends existing anti-discrimination laws (chapters 151B and 51) to explicitly include "housing status" as a protected category.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1433: An Act creating the tenant’s escrow accounts

HD 1433 creates "tenant’s escrow accounts" to help rental tenants save for home purchases. Tenants can voluntarily contribute a portion of their rent to these accounts, and landlords may also contribute (with the state matching those contributions). Landlords who contribute can deduct three times the contribution amount from their annual taxable income. The program is administered by the executive office of housing, with funds held in a dedicated "Tenant’s Escrow Fund" that is exempt from certain state financial rules. The bill directly affects renters seeking homeownership and landlords participating in the savings program.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 944: An Act establishing a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness

This bill establishes specific rights for people experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. It defines "persons experiencing homelessness" broadly to include those in shelters, cars, parks, or temporary housing, and guarantees their right to use public spaces without discrimination based on housing status. Key provisions include protections against discrimination in medical care (including pandemic services), voting access (explicitly stating lack of fixed residence won't block voter registration), and employment, while requiring employers to consider housing status as a protected category under anti-discrimination law. The bill also mandates reasonable privacy for personal property in public spaces and prohibits harassment by officials. These changes directly affect homeless individuals and require state/municipal agencies and employers to adjust policies to comply.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1704: An Act to create the office of the tenant advocate in the Office of the Attorney General

This bill creates a new Office of the Tenant Advocate within the Massachusetts Attorney General's office. It directly affects tenants in public or subsidized housing by establishing a dedicated office to protect their right to "peaceful enjoyment" of their homes. The office will intervene in legal proceedings to address "hostile environment harassment" (including bullying and mobbing by landlords or communities) and hold landlords accountable. Key provisions define harassment to include non-physical conduct like gossip or isolation, and clarify that psychological harm isn't required to prove a violation. The office will investigate, correct, and pursue accountability for violations of tenants' rights.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Tenant Rights

All housing bills