Housing (Landlords)

This bill modifies Massachusetts housing assistance rules to better support tenants facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. It removes a requirement that tenants must have a landlord's "notice to quit" to qualify for housing assistance. The executive office must develop clear criteria for determining homelessness risk, in consultation with housing experts and after seeking public feedback. These changes aim to streamline access to support for vulnerable tenants while maintaining administrative transparency.

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to allow individual cities and towns to create their own laws regarding tenant protections. Housing.

HD 2501 allows cities and towns to adopt local rent stabilization and tenant protection measures. It enables municipalities to limit annual rent increases to the lower of the local Consumer Price Index or 5%, and requires landlords to have "just cause" (like nonpayment, lease violations, or property conversion) to evict tenants. The bill directly affects renters in participating municipalities, excluding owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, new construction (for five years), college dorms, senior facilities, and units subject to public housing regulation. Municipalities must adopt local ordinances within 180 days of acceptance and report annually to the state housing office. The law does not override existing state or federal tenant protections.

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.

By Representative McMurtry of Dedham, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1883) of Paul McMurtry relative to the recovery of withheld rent. The Judiciary.

By Representatives Rogers of Cambridge and Montaño of Boston, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 2328) of David M. Rogers, Samantha Montaño and others relative to enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants. Municipalities and Regional Government.