Housing (Tenant Rights)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3871: An Act addressing squatter’s rights

This bill (HD 3871) modifies Massachusetts law to clarify procedures for removing occupants without legal rights to residential property. It specifically excludes tenants with valid leases or written agreements from being considered "squatters" and protects their right to remain. Landlords can now request sheriff removal of occupants who entered without permission, didn't have a lease, were told to leave, and stayed after their lease expired or violated terms. Landlords must submit a verified petition to the sheriff confirming these conditions are met, either in writing or online. The bill directly affects landlords seeking eviction and occupants without formal lease agreements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects tenants with valid leases from wrongful removal as 'squatters', strengthening tenant rights and preventing unjust displacement in housing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1214: An Act providing renter relief tax credit

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases renter relief tax credit, providing direct tax relief to lower-income renters, aligning with support indicators for tax relief and middle-income assistance.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases renter relief tax credit, directly providing financial support to renters for affordable housing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2996: An Act to regulate junk fees in rental housing

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRegulates excessive rental fees, prohibits mandatory charges, and mandates clear fee disclosure, directly protecting tenants and increasing affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House May 29, 2025

HD 4728: A monthly report of the Executive Office of the Trial Court (under Section 15 of Chapter 239 of the General Laws, as amended by Section 64 of Chapter 28 of the Acts of 2023) submitting its report on filings, actions, and dispositions of summary process cases relative to permanent rental protections

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires monthly reporting on eviction cases involving permanent rental protections, enabling transparency in enforcement of tenant rights under housing policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 26, 2026

H 1994: An Act protecting tenants from retaliation and coercion

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly protects tenants from retaliation using immigration status threats, strengthening tenant rights in housing policy.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationBill prohibits retaliation by threatening to disclose immigration status, directly protecting tenants from coercion related to immigration status.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Apr 13, 2026

H 1507: An Act limiting rent increases and creating a rental arbitrator

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits rent increases and establishes rental arbitrator, directly strengthening tenant protections and affordability per bill's core purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Jan 12, 2026

H 1571: An Act to make home repair affordable and stabilize communities

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly aims to make home repairs affordable and stabilize communities, directly advancing affordable housing access and community stability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · House Feb 17, 2026

H 274: An Act establishing a bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes rights for homeless individuals, directly addressing housing insecurity per support indicator 'addresses homelessness'90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homelessness Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 741: An Act providing for tenant agents

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates licensing for tenant-finding services to prevent unlicensed exploitation, directly strengthening tenant protections in housing search process per bill summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 768: An Act petition for a special law authorizing the city of Boston to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes rent stabilization (inflation+6% cap) and 'just cause' eviction protections, directly strengthening tenant rights and affordability in Boston housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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