This bill establishes a legal framework for "homesharing" in Massachusetts, allowing homeowners (homesharing providers) to rent a room in their owner-occupied home at below-market rates in exchange for domestic services (e.g., cleaning, meal prep) or reduced living costs. It requires written agreements covering rent, services (limited to 7 hours/week), shared spaces, and household rules, while exempting these arrangements from standard landlord-tenant eviction laws. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) will oversee the program, including setting registration fees, creating a Homesharing Opportunity Relief Fund for emergency assistance (e.g., relocation if agreements fail), and ensuring safety through background checks. The program directly affects homeowners seeking affordable housing help and individuals needing lower-cost housing in exchange for services, excluding medical care or short-term rentals.
This bill establishes a Massachusetts Center for Housing Cooperatives within CEDAC to support cooperative housing ownership, primarily for low-to-moderate income residents. The center will provide education, outreach, research, and grants to expand resident-owned housing, preserve existing cooperative properties, and promote cooperative models to policymakers. It allocates $100 million in fiscal year 2026 for acquiring, rehabilitating, and supporting housing cooperatives through state agencies like the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency. The center must annually report on housing cooperative activities and submit recommendations for improving cooperative housing access.
This bill (HD 3060) prohibits insurance companies from increasing a homeowner's policy premium after a claim involving fire, theft, storm, or water damage if the homeowner was not at fault for the incident. It directly affects homeowners who have experienced such claims without being responsible. The key provision amends state law to explicitly state that insurers cannot adjust premiums based on these specific claim types when the insured is not at fault. The change aims to prevent unfair premium hikes for homeowners who did not cause the damage. This is a concrete policy change affecting how insurers calculate premiums for certain covered events.
This bill creates a refundable tax credit for Massachusetts first-time homebuyers to cover actual closing costs. It directly affects Massachusetts residents who haven't owned a home in the past three years and paid closing costs (like appraisal, attorney, or inspection fees) when purchasing a home. The credit provides money back toward those specific closing costs, refundable even if the buyer owes no state income tax. The policy changes are concrete: it mandates a credit equal to the buyer's documented closing costs, not a fixed dollar amount.
SD 988 creates a state program to fund permanently affordable homeownership units for low- and moderate-income buyers (defined as 70-120% of area median income). Administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the program requires units to remain affordable for at least 99 years and limits projects to 1-25 units, including within mixed-use developments. Funds can only support new homeownership units meeting income and affordability criteria. Annual reports will detail funded projects, grant amounts, units created, and affordability levels.
This bill creates a state program to develop permanently affordable homeownership options for low and moderate income buyers in Massachusetts. It requires that new homes funded under the program maintain affordability for at least 99 years and be part of projects with 1-25 housing units. Funds can only support homes in mixed-use developments if they are permanently affordable for households earning 70-120% of the area median income. The program mandates annual reporting on funded projects, including grant amounts, units created, and affordability levels.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 989) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program. Housing.
By Mr. Feeney, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 989) of Paul R. Feeney for legislation to establish the missing-middle starter home development and home ownership program. Housing.
By Representative Walsh of Peabody, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1574) of Thomas P. Walsh that home buyers be provided copies of the Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency homebuyers’ guide. Housing.
This bill establishes a legal framework for "homesharing" in Massachusetts, allowing homeowners (homesharing providers) to rent rooms in their owner-occupied homes to others (homesharers) in exchange for services like housekeeping or meal prep, at below-market rent. It requires written agreements covering rent, shared spaces, service limits (max 7 hours/week, no healthcare), and termination notices, while exempting these arrangements from standard landlord-tenant laws. The bill also creates a Homesharing Opportunity Relief Fund to assist with relocation costs if agreements fail, and mandates minimum insurance coverage ($1 million for providers, $100,000 for homesharers). It directly affects homeowners seeking to share their homes and homesharers providing services for reduced rent.
