Housing (Tenant Rights)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 359: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the Commonwealth

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands housing bridge program for seniors at risk of eviction, ensuring ≤30% income for rent - directly advances affordable housing and tenant protections for vulnerable population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2734: An Act to protect residents experiencing significant elevations in rent for viable and effective affordable housing

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill title explicitly aims to protect tenants from rent hikes in affordable housing, aligning with tenant protection and affordable housing support indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House May 1, 2025

H 65: Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to housing

By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 65) of Vincent Lawrence Dixon for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the right to housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes constitutional right to housing, directly advancing housing access and protections as a legal entitlement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1521: An Act ensuring continued rights for public housing residents

By Representative Honan of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1521) of Kevin G. Honan relative to the rights for public housing residents. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill ensures continued rights for public housing residents, directly protecting tenant protections in affordable housing as per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 8, 2025

S 957: 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 ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to improve access to rental assistance programs, directly advancing affordable housing access for tenants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3127: An Act providing tax relief for rent-burdened individuals and families

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for rent-burdened individuals via rental payment tax deduction, directly supporting lower-income tax relief under Budget & Taxes95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides tax deduction for rental payments to relieve rent burden, directly supporting affordable housing access for low-income renters.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 2, 2026

H 3260: An Act allowing for a tax credit for rent paid on the personal residence of the taxpayer

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax credit for rent, offering relief to renters (likely middle/lower income), aligning with tax relief indicators for budget/tax support.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingTax credit for rent payments directly increases affordability for tenants, aligning with housing support indicators like financial assistance for housing costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1494: An Act relative to improve access to rental assistance programs

By Representative DeCoste of Norwell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1494) of David F. DeCoste relative to rental assistance programs. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to improve access to rental assistance programs, directly advancing affordable housing support for tenants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1554: An Act to secure housing for returning citizens

By Representative Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1554) of Samantha Montaño that the Department of Housing and Community Development provide for programs, policies, guidelines, priorities and preferences for the housing of formerly incarcerated persons reentering communities. Housing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides housing programs for formerly incarcerated persons, reducing recidivism and supporting reentry - key criminal justice reform measure.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates housing programs for formerly incarcerated persons, advancing access to affordable housing through Department initiatives and priorities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Community Development Homelessness Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1498: An Act to limit criminalization of the homeless

H 1498 would prevent Massachusetts cities and towns from imposing criminal penalties - such as fines or jail time - for minor public conduct like sleeping or sitting in public spaces when someone is experiencing homelessness. It directly affects unhoused residents who currently face legal consequences for basic survival activities in public areas. The bill requires municipalities to first ensure adequate shelter availability before enforcing such penalties, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions. This policy change aims to reduce the criminalization of homelessness while promoting access to shelter.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' survival activities, shifting focus from punishment to housing solutions - core criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill prevents criminal penalties for homeless individuals' basic survival activities, requiring shelter availability first. Directly addresses homelessness - a core housing issue - shifting focus from punishment to housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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