By Representative Madaro of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1547) of Adrian C. Madaro and others relative to the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program. Housing.
By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 22) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Mike Connolly, Erika Uyterhoeven and Christine P. Barber (with approval of the mayor and city council) for legislation to authorize the city of Somerville to regulate rent in residential dwelling units. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representative Hong of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1526) of Tara T. Hong for an investigation by a special commission relative to rent stabilization. Housing.
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3910) of Erika Uyterhoeven and Patricia D. Jehlen (with the approval of the mayor and city council) that the city of Somerville be authorized to establish a program to provide certain tenants and entities the right to purchase the residential property in which the tenants reside when that residential property is being offered for sale. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]
By Representatives Livingstone of Boston and Consalvo of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1544) of Jay D. Livingstone, Rob Consalvo and others relative to tenant’s first right of refusal. Housing.
By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 374) of William C. Galvin relative to tenant agents. Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure.
By Representative Sabadosa of Northampton, a petition (subject to Joint Rule 12) of Lindsay N. Sabadosa relative to the rights of individuals experiencing homelessness. The Judiciary.
This bill requires utility companies (gas or electric) to notify landlords when tenants fall behind on payments or when service termination is planned. Landlords who provide written notice that their property is a rental, include a valid mailing address, and request notifications must receive written notice within 14 days of delinquent charges or 14 days before a service termination. The bill applies only to landlords who proactively opt-in by submitting the required written information. It does not change utility shutoff policies but mandates specific notification procedures to landlords for rental properties.
This bill allows the Town of Athol to establish rent regulations and a rent board for manufactured housing parks (mobile home parks) within its borders. The rent board can adjust rents based on factors like property taxes, maintenance costs, and capital improvements, while requiring park owners to register park information under penalty of perjury. It also gives the rent board authority to regulate evictions, with its orders serving as a defense in eviction lawsuits. Violations of rent regulations carry fines up to $1,000. The bill applies exclusively to Athol and takes effect upon passage.
HD 829 protects eligible tenants (65+ or disabled, or with income at or below 80% of area median income) by allowing them to terminate leases early without penalty when moving to qualifying housing. Tenants must provide 30 days' written notice to landlords and can move to housing like nursing homes, public housing, or low-income developments without liability for the remaining lease term. Landlords cannot refuse rentals or housing assistance based on this termination, and lease clauses attempting to block this right are void. The law directly affects these specific tenant groups and their landlords, creating a clear mechanism for lease flexibility.
