Housing (Tenant Rights) in Massachusetts

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1886: An Act relative to rent escrow

This bill (HD 1886) creates a court-ordered rent escrow process for tenants facing eviction in Massachusetts. It requires tenants who want to withhold rent for repairs to deposit the full amount due (including fair market value from when withholding began) into court escrow during eviction proceedings. Funds held in escrow must first cover repair costs if the tenant wins the case. Tenants who fail to make the deposit face a mandatory court trial without delay. The bill directly affects tenants in eviction cases who need to withhold rent to address housing issues.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 158: An Act relative to consumer rights of renters

HD 158 limits how far in advance landlords can require new lease signings. It prohibits landlords or their agents from asking tenants to sign a lease more than three months before their current lease ends. This directly affects renters in residential properties by preventing long-term binding agreements before their current term concludes. The key provision enforces a clear 90-day maximum window for signing new leases, giving renters more flexibility and control over their housing contracts.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2522: An Act to promote housing stability

This bill (HD 2522) changes eviction court procedures to help tenants facing eviction. It requires courts to pause eviction proceedings if tenants meet specific conditions, instead ordering them to pay the fair market rent into a court-controlled escrow account during the case. Landlords or tenants can request this escrow, and courts must schedule a prompt hearing on the motion. If tenants fail to pay into escrow, the case moves to a trial immediately. The law directly affects tenants in eviction cases and landlords seeking possession of rental properties.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House Jan 29, 2025

HD 4325: A monthly report of the Executive Office of the Trial Court (under Section 15 of Chapter 239 of the General Laws, as amended by Section 64 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023) submitting its report on filings, actions, and dispositions of summary process cases relative to permanent rental protections

HD 4325 requires the Executive Office of the Trial Court to submit a monthly report on eviction-related court cases involving permanent rental protections. The report must detail filings, actions taken, and case outcomes (dispositions) for these specific cases. This bill affects the Trial Court’s administrative reporting process but does not change existing rental protection laws or tenant rights. The requirement aims to provide transparency on how these protections are applied in court proceedings.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2365: An Act relative to problem properties, enhancing fire safety and addressing resident displacement

HD 2365 establishes a Tenant Fire Safety Trust Fund to support fire safety programs for landlords and renters in multi-unit housing. It requires landlords to install and maintain fire safety devices (like smoke detectors) and provides tax deductions for these installations under state law. The bill also mandates that landlords displaced by fire provide renters with resources and insurance details, while requiring certificates of occupancy and fire inspections before new rentals in multi-unit buildings. Violations incur daily fines (up to $20/day) or escalating penalties, with 50% of collected fines funding local inspections and the Trust Fund. This directly affects landlords, property managers, and renters in Massachusetts residential properties.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

introduced · Massachusetts · House May 15, 2025

HD 4652: A monthly report of the Executive Office of the Trial Court (under Section 15 of Chapter 239 of the General Laws, as amended by Section 64 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023) submitting its report on filings, actions, and dispositions of summary process cases relative to permanent rental protections

HD 4652 requires the Executive Office of the Trial Court to submit a monthly report on eviction cases (summary process cases) involving permanent rental protections. The report must detail case filings, actions taken, and dispositions related to these protections. This procedural bill directly affects the Executive Office of the Trial Court by mandating regular data collection and submission to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 2, 2026

H 467: An Act regularizing water rates for tenants

By Representative Sousa of Framingham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 467) of Priscila S. Sousa relative to water rates for tenants. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 12, 2026

H 336: An Act relative to consumer rights of renters

By Representative Chan of Quincy, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 336) of Tackey Chan for legislation to prohibit certain supplemental fees levied against prospective tenants or current tenants. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jul 22, 2026

S 1184: An Act relative to summary process

By Ms. Miranda, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1184) of Liz Miranda for legislation relative to summary process and rental assistance. The Judiciary.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Oct 30, 2025

SD 3318: An Act to establish tenant escrow savings accounts

By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to establish tenant escrow savings accounts. Housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

All housing bills