HD 3696 creates a new tax deduction for Massachusetts renters who pay rent for their primary residence and meet income limits. It allows eligible individuals or households to deduct 50% of their rent, capped at $4,100 annually (adjusted yearly for inflation), but only if household income does not exceed 100% of the local area median income (AMGI) defined by HUD. The deduction applies to single filers, heads of household, and married couples filing jointly for tax years beginning January 1, 2022, or later. This policy directly affects low-to-moderate-income renters in Massachusetts who qualify under the income threshold.
HD 3813 prohibits landlords from using credit reports for tenant screening or requiring credit-related questions for tenants receiving government rent subsidies (like Section 8 vouchers). It directly affects subsidized tenants and landlords, banning credit checks unless required by federal/state law. Key provisions require landlords to obtain separate written consent for any credit report use, disclose reasons for adverse actions, allow tenants to dispute report inaccuracies, and cover all associated costs. The law also prohibits retaliation against tenants who exercise these rights or report violations. This bill takes effect 90 days after passage.
This bill establishes Massachusetts' Rental Assistance and Financial Stability Program to support low-income renters receiving government housing aid (like vouchers or HomeBASE). It requires housing centers to help participants manage finances, set budgets, and make direct rent/utility payments through dedicated accounts, while connecting them to healthcare, food programs, and financial counseling. The program includes an online platform for account management and mandates eviction court referrals for eligible tenants. Agencies must track outcomes and report annually to lawmakers, with full implementation required by September 2026. The program directly affects households at risk of eviction who receive state rental assistance.
HD 3855 increases the maximum renter's income tax deduction from $3,000 to $6,000 for Massachusetts residents. It also creates a new tax credit for renters with adjusted gross income under $50,000, calculated as 5% of 50% of rent paid above $12,000 annually. This credit is capped at $200 for single filers, married couples, or heads of household. The bill directly affects low-to-moderate income renters who pay rent in Massachusetts for their primary residence.
SD 2661 authorizes the city of Somerville to regulate rents in most residential units, setting an annual rent increase cap of 5% (based on the previous year's inflation rate plus 2%). It requires landlords to have "just cause" for evictions, listing specific valid reasons like non-payment or property conversion, and allows the city to mandate relocation payments for certain evictions. The law excludes small owner-occupied homes (3 or fewer units), new construction (within 15 years), certain subsidized housing, and other specific unit types from regulation. This directly affects renters and landlords in Somerville's regulated housing market, excluding the exempt categories listed in the bill.
This bill codifies Massachusetts' Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), providing rental assistance to low-income households. It establishes that households must have incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (with 75% of vouchers reserved for those at or below 30% AMI) to qualify. The program sets subsidy limits at 100-110% of fair market rent, requires biennial unit inspections for habitability, and mandates annual reporting on voucher usage by household demographics and location. It also standardizes a $80 monthly administrative fee per voucher and ensures unspent funds roll over to the next fiscal year.
This bill creates the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide rental assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. It directly affects disabled adults aged 18-62 with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income (as set by HUD). The program offers mobile or project-based vouchers covering rent, with households paying 25-30% of their income (depending on utilities), while payments cannot exceed 120% of HUD's fair market rent for the unit size. Unspent funds from the designated budget line (7004-9030) carry over annually to support the program.
Massachusetts Bill SD 1573 establishes the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), providing rental assistance to low-income households (with 75% of vouchers targeted to households earning 30% or less of area median income) to help them afford decent, stable housing. The program sets payment standards at 100-110% of local market rent rates, limits tenant rent payments to 30% of income (with a temporary 40% exception), and requires unit inspections for safety compliance. It mandates annual data collection on voucher usage, including household demographics and location, to be reported to state legislators. The bill also sets a minimum $80 monthly administrative fee per voucher and ensures unspent funds carry over to the next fiscal year.
HD 1953 establishes the Alternative Housing Voucher Program to provide rental assistance for low-income individuals with disabilities. It directly affects persons aged 18-62 with disabilities who earn no more than 80% of the area median income (as defined by HUD). The program offers mobile and project-based vouchers covering rent, security deposits, first and last month's rent, and moving expenses, with households paying 25-30% of their income for housing. Voucher amounts are set by the department based on household size, income, location, and disability-related needs, with optional higher payments approved as reasonable accommodations.
By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 984) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to regulate junk fees in rental housing. Housing.
