Housing (Renters)

introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2590: An Act further protecting tenants

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingClarifies definitions to strengthen tenant protection laws under Chapter 239, directly advancing tenant rights in housing policy85% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3299: An Act relative to prohibiting eviction without good cause

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits no-cause evictions and caps rent increases, directly protecting tenants and enhancing housing affordability per bill's core provisions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3696: An Act providing tax relief for rent-burdened individuals and families

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides direct tax relief (50% rent deduction) for lower-income renters meeting income limits, aligning with tax relief indicators for middle/lower income groups.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides 50% rent tax deduction (capped at $4,100) for rent-burdened renters meeting income limits, directly reducing housing costs for low-income households and advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3813: An Act relative to the use of credit reporting for rent-subsidized tenants

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits credit checks for subsidized tenants, protecting tenant rights and reducing barriers to affordable housing access for vulnerable populations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3800: An Act establishing the Massachusetts rental assistance and financial stability program

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes rental assistance program for low-income renters, mandates financial management support, direct rent payments, and eviction court referrals to strengthen tenant stability and housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3855: An Act updating and expanding the renter's income tax deduction

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for low-to-moderate income renters via increased deductions and new credit, directly supporting fiscal relief for targeted group.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases tax deductions and creates credit for low-income renters, directly lowering housing costs and strengthening affordable housing access for primary residents.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 2661: An Act authorizing the city of Somerville to regulate rent in residential dwelling units

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes 5% annual rent cap and 'just cause' evictions, strengthening tenant protections and affordability in Somerville.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2020: An Act codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill codifies state-funded rental assistance for low-income households, increasing government spending on housing support through mandatory appropriations and subsidy limits.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCodifies rental voucher program for low-income households (80% AMI), expanding affordable housing access through subsidies, inspections, and targeted funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1708: An Act to create affordable homes for persons with disabilities

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded rental assistance program (vouchers) for disabled low-income residents, directly allocating public funds for housing services within budget appropriations.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates new voucher program funding affordable housing for disabled low-income renters (18-62, ≤80% AMI), directly advancing housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1573: An Act relative to the Massachusetts rental voucher 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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds rental assistance program for low-income households via state budget, aligning with fiscal support for essential housing services.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes rental vouchers for low-income households, limits rent to 30% income, mandates safety inspections - directly advances affordable housing access and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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