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 Representatives Sousa of Framingham and Cruz of Salem, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1994) of Priscila S. Sousa, Manny Cruz and Carlos González relative to protecting tenants from retaliation and coercion by threat of disclosing immigration status. The Judiciary.
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.
By Representative Uyterhoeven of Somerville, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 1571) of Erika Uyterhoeven for legislation to make home repair affordable and stabilize communities. Housing.
By Representative Moran of Lawrence, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 274) of Frank A. Moran for legislation to establish a bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.
HD 741 requires anyone charging a fee to find housing for tenants to be a licensed real estate broker or salesperson. It directly affects unlicensed individuals or companies currently offering tenant-finding services for payment. The bill prohibits unlicensed fee-charging tenant-finding services while allowing licensed brokers to specifically represent tenants in locating and negotiating leases. This changes the licensing requirement for a specific type of housing assistance service, making it mandatory for those charging fees to hold a real estate license.
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.
This bill strengthens Massachusetts' HomeBASE program to improve housing stability for families facing eviction or housing transitions. It expands short-term housing benefits to eligible families (those with children under 21 or pregnant individuals) for up to 24 months initially, then 12-month renewals, with no income restrictions after enrollment. Key provisions include allowing applications after court eviction notices are filed, removing requirements to prove "no fault" eviction, and setting funding caps of $30,000 for the first period and $15,000 for renewals. Families can also combine these benefits with other housing assistance programs like residential assistance for families in transition, as long as the support is non-duplicative and needed for housing stability.
