Housing (Tenant Rights) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1706: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3912: An Act promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts

HD 3912 creates a state-funded program providing free legal representation to low-income tenants and homeowners facing eviction or housing subsidy termination in Massachusetts. It directly affects eligible individuals who qualify based on income (80% of area median income or less), public assistance status, or inability to pay court costs without hardship. The program, administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, will fund designated legal aid organizations to provide "full legal representation" in covered housing cases, including eviction proceedings. These organizations must serve low-income communities, ensure language access, and work with an advisory committee of housing advocates and tenants.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Housing Finance Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2108: An Act creating an office of tenant protections

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 997) of Adam Gomez for legislation to create an office of tenant protections within the executive office of housing and livable communities. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1978: An Act relative to improve access to rental assistance programs

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1203: An Act relative to preventing algorithmic rent fixing in the rental housing market

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.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Technology

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Mar 10, 2025

SD 1357: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the commonwealth

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 475) of Patricia D. Jehlen and Sal N. DiDomenico for legislation to promote housing stability for older adults across the commonwealth. Elder Affairs.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1925: An Act to guarantee a tenant’s first right of refusal

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1607: An Act prohibiting algorithmic rent setting

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.

Topics ✓ Housing ✗ Technology

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2258: An Act relative to public housing restrictions

HD 2258 requires Massachusetts public housing programs to prioritize applicants eligible for federal assisted housing under 42 U.S.C. section 1436a over applicants who are not federally eligible. It directly affects individuals applying for state-assisted housing in Massachusetts who may not qualify for federal programs. The bill's key provision states that non-federally eligible applicants cannot be given priority or displace federally eligible applicants in the housing selection process. This amendment to Chapter 121B of the General Laws ensures federal eligibility status determines priority for public housing placements.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2501: An Act enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants

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.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

All housing bills