By Mr. Lewis, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1152) of Jason M. Lewis and Mark C. Montigny for legislation relative to the termination of rental agreements or tenancy by certain tenants. The Judiciary.
By Ms. Creem, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 960) of Cynthia Stone Creem (by vote of the town) for legislation to authorize the town of Brookline to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections. Housing. [Local Approval Received.]
By Ms. Edwards, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1970) of Lydia Edwards for legislation to provide an increase in the renter relief tax credit. Revenue.
This bill (HD 2996) regulates excessive fees in rental housing by limiting upfront costs landlords can charge tenants. It prohibits fees for "holding over" after lease expiration, lease renewals, or substitutions, and bans mandatory charges for amenities like internet or insurance. Landlords must disclose optional fees clearly (including cost and cancellation options) and cannot force electronic payments or charge for not using them. Violations require landlords to pay tenants 3x the excess fee plus legal costs. The bill directly affects tenants and landlords in Massachusetts rental agreements.
HD 4728 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 the number of cases filed, court actions taken, and case outcomes. This data will provide transparency on how rental protection measures are applied in Massachusetts court proceedings.
By Representative Galvin of Canton, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1507) of William C. Galvin for legislation to limit rent increases and create a rental arbitrator within the office of the Attorney General. Housing.
This bill authorizes the City of Boston to implement local rent stabilization and eviction protections. It would let Boston set annual rent increase limits (based on inflation plus 6%, capped at 10%) for most rental units, excluding small buildings, hotels, hospitals, and certain subsidized housing. It also requires "just cause" for evictions, prohibiting landlords from removing tenants without valid reasons like non-payment, lease violations, or illegal activity. The policy directly affects Boston renters and landlords in covered properties, aiming to address housing insecurity and prevent displacement.
SD 969 prohibits landlords from using credit reports for tenant screening when applicants or tenants receive government rent subsidies (like Section 8 housing vouchers). It directly affects landlords, property managers, and tenants with such subsidies by banning the use, request, or requirement of credit checks for rental decisions. Key provisions include requiring written consent for any credit check (with specific disclosures), preventing landlords from passing credit check costs to tenants, and banning retaliation against tenants who challenge violations. The law also enforces anti-discrimination protections and makes non-compliance an unfair practice under Chapter 93A.
This bill amends Chapter 239 of the General Laws by adding clear definitions for key terms used in tenant protection laws. It defines "Tenant" as anyone occupying property for money or services (written or verbal), "Subtenant" as someone renting from a tenant, and "Consideration" as money or services provided under any agreement. These definitions directly affect tenants, subtenants, and landlords operating under Chapter 239. The bill clarifies the legal language to ensure consistent application of existing tenant protections, without introducing new requirements or penalties.
HD 3299 would require landlords to have "good cause" (such as nonpayment of rent or lease violations) to evict tenants in most residential properties. It caps annual rent increases at 10% or the local inflation rate (based on the Consumer Price Index), whichever is lower, and defines specific exemptions. Exemptions include small landlords (owning ≤10 units), owner-occupied homes, hospitals, senior housing, student dorms, and properties with income-based affordability requirements. This law applies only in cities or towns that formally adopt it, with additional rent thresholds exempting higher-priced units.
