Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 495: An Act limiting rent increases and creating a rental arbitrator

HD 495 limits annual rent increases for most residential tenants to 5% plus the consumer price index or 10%, whichever is lower, affecting landlords and tenants in non-subsidized housing. Landlords may exceed this limit only with written justification for major improvements (like structural repairs), and tenants can appeal increases through a new rental arbitrator position in the Attorney General's office. The arbitrator must resolve disputes within 90 days, order rent refunds for violations, and impose fines up to $1,000 for repeated offenses. Landlords cannot deny lease renewals to avoid these limits, and the arbitrator must annually report on rental market trends.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits rent increases to 5%+CPI or 10%, requires landlord justification for hikes, and provides tenant appeals via arbitrator, strengthening tenant protections and affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Landlords Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 497: An Act to prohibit landlords and brokers from requiring broker's commissions to be paid by a tenant or prospective tenant

This bill prohibits landlords and real estate brokers in Northampton from charging tenants or potential renters for brokerage services like showings, document preparation, or tenant screening. It directly affects residential renters in Northampton by preventing landlords from making tenants pay broker fees as a condition of renting. The law requires landlords or brokers to cover these costs themselves, shifting the financial responsibility from tenants to property owners. Violations are classified as unfair trade practices and may result in city-imposed fines up to $1,000 per violation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlords from charging tenants broker fees, reducing renter costs and strengthening tenant protections per bill summary.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 396: An Act to ensure accountability and transparency in artificial intelligence systems

This bill establishes Massachusetts' Chapter 93M to require transparency and accountability from developers and deployers of high-risk artificial intelligence systems used in the state. It mandates that developers disclose risks of algorithmic discrimination and document system limitations, while deployers of systems affecting housing, employment, healthcare, or financial decisions must conduct annual impact assessments, notify consumers when AI influences consequential decisions, and provide explanation and appeal options. The law exempts small businesses (under 50 employees), low-risk tools like spell-checkers, and entities subject to stricter federal rules. Enforcement falls to the Attorney General, treating violations as unfair trade practices under Chapter 93A, with public education campaigns to inform residents of their rights.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires impact assessments for AI in housing decisions to prevent algorithmic discrimination, aligning with tenant protection indicators.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentMandates annual impact assessments for AI in employment decisions, preventing algorithmic discrimination and protecting workers' rights in hiring processes.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates transparency, risk disclosure, and impact assessments for high-risk AI in housing, employment, healthcare, and finance, directly advancing data privacy and consumer protection in technology.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate Jan 16, 2025

SD 1081: Communication from her Excellency the Governor relative to additional changes to the Emergency Assistance Shelter System to be included in the supplemental budget pending with the Legislature

Communication from her Excellency the Governor relative to additional changes to the Emergency Assistance Shelter System to be included in the supplemental budget pending with the Legislature

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes changes to Emergency Assistance Shelter System for supplemental budget, addressing homelessness (core housing issue). Governor's communication indicates intent to improve system, aligning with housing support indicators.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 508: An Act relative to uniform partition of heirs property

This bill establishes a clear process for dividing "heirs property" - family-owned real estate held in shared ownership without a binding agreement, where at least 20% of owners are relatives or acquired the property from a relative. It requires courts to order fair market appraisals for such properties before division, ensures all owners receive notice of the valuation, and gives other owners the first right to buy out those seeking to sell. If no owner buys the shares, the property is sold, but owners must pay based on their proportional ownership. The law directly affects families and co-owners of inherited land facing disputes over division or sale.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill ensures fair division of heirs property to prevent forced sales, preserving family-owned housing and maintaining existing affordable housing stock through transparent property rights processes.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 128: An Act the Commonwealth housing, economic, education and equity in recovery and reconstruction

This bill, the CHEEERR ACT, establishes a Massachusetts Bureau on Social and Economic Equity in Recovery and Reconstruction to address disparities disproportionately affecting Black and Latino residents. It creates a "Commonwealth Corps" (CHEEERRS Corps) for community service projects targeting "disparately impacted communities" defined by high pandemic infection rates among Black/Latino residents, medically underserved areas, low/moderate income neighborhoods, or educationally disadvantaged school districts. The Bureau will manage a recovery fund, oversee community projects addressing unmet needs in these areas, and support Black/Latino-owned small businesses in low-income communities. The bill directly affects residents in these designated communities and requires the Bureau administrator to reflect the racial and ethnic diversity of impacted areas.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationTargets educationally disadvantaged schools through Commonwealth Corps community service projects to address disparities in education access and resources.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill targets 'low/moderate income neighborhoods' for community service projects via CHEEERRS Corps, directly addressing housing affordability and equity for disadvantaged communities.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 271: An Act relative to local public housing authorities

This bill amends a law governing local public housing authorities established under Chapter 121B. It changes restrictions on how certain funds can be used by clarifying that these authorities may now use funds for "extraordinary maintenance, equipment replacement, betterments, and additions" (previously restricted from all maintenance). The change specifically applies to funds designated for these authorities and modifies the existing clause to allow these defined types of spending. This is a technical adjustment to fund usage rules, not a broad policy change.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves restrictions on public housing maintenance funding, enabling better upkeep of existing affordable housing units and supporting tenant stability through improved infrastructure.85% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 270: An Act to amend the foreclosure statute to require judicial foreclosure

This bill changes how residential mortgage foreclosures are handled for 1-6 family owner-occupied homes. It requires lenders to file foreclosure lawsuits in Superior Court instead of using out-of-court processes, and mandates specific service methods (posting and mailing if not delivered in person). Homeowners facing foreclosure can now raise legal defenses in court, and courts gain authority to cancel or adjust mortgages if violations of existing laws are found. The court must also record decisions invalidating prior foreclosure actions in property records at no cost. This directly affects homeowners in these properties and lenders seeking to foreclose.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires judicial foreclosure for owner-occupied homes, allowing legal defenses and protecting property rights against wrongful foreclosures.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Mortgages

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 677: An Act requiring fair housing education for all real estate licensees

HD 677 requires all real estate license applicants and renewing brokers/salespeople in Massachusetts to complete specific education on fair housing. New applicants must take 40 classroom hours, including at least 4 hours on fair housing law or diversity. Renewing licensees must complete 6-12 hours of continuing education, including at least 2 hours on fair housing law and 4 hours from other topics like accessibility or agency law. This bill directly affects all individuals holding or seeking a Massachusetts real estate license by mandating these education components.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires fair housing education to prevent discrimination, strengthening tenant protections and promoting equitable housing access.95% confidence

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1763: An Act establishing a first-time home buyers bill of rights

HD 1763 requires real estate agents, brokers, and mortgage brokers in Massachusetts to provide first-time homebuyers with a standardized homebuyers' guide developed by the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) before key steps in the home purchase process. The guide must cover essential topics like home inspections, lead paint disclosure, environmental regulations, mortgage terms, and the roles of agents, attorneys, and associations. Real estate professionals and mortgage brokers who fail to provide the guide face fines of up to $100 per violation. The bill directly affects first-time homebuyers and the real estate/mortgage industry by mandating this information to help buyers make informed decisions. The MHFA must create and publish the guide online, including specific resources about home buying processes and legal disclosures.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates standardized guide for first-time buyers to improve transparency in home purchasing process, aiding informed decisions and access to housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Housing Finance Mortgages

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