Housing

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1068: An Act to guarantee a tenant’s first right of refusal

This bill gives tenants in multi-family residential buildings (excluding certain types like single-family homes or shelters) a first right to purchase their property if the owner sells due to foreclosure, short sale, or deed in lieu. To qualify, at least 51% of tenant-occupied units must form a Tenant Association. If the association meets requirements, it gets priority to buy the property before outside buyers, and the property must later be maintained as long-term affordable housing for 30 years through recorded deed restrictions. Municipalities can choose to adopt this local option.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingGuarantees tenants first right to purchase, mandates 30-year affordable housing maintenance, directly strengthening tenant protections and preserving affordability.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Mortgages Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4083: Resolve to plan, preserve, and protect

This bill creates a pilot program allowing cities and towns to apply for participation in a "tenant opportunity to purchase" initiative, directly affecting qualifying communities with high rental rates (70%+), displacement issues, and poverty. Eligible areas must meet specific criteria related to rental housing density, eviction data, and poverty levels, with up to 15 zip codes selected for the program. The pilot requires the housing office to establish regulations by December 2025, accept applications by June 2026, and operate for five years, ending with a report on program outcomes. It focuses on enabling renters in targeted communities to potentially purchase their homes while addressing displacement concerns through structured local planning.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tenant opportunity to purchase program in high-rent, high-displacement areas, directly strengthening tenant protections and advancing affordable housing access for qualifying communities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Historic Preservation Homeownership Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2413: An Act relative to stabilizing tenants and small property owners

This bill modifies Massachusetts housing assistance rules to better support tenants facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. It removes a requirement that tenants must have a landlord's "notice to quit" to qualify for housing assistance. The executive office must develop clear criteria for determining homelessness risk, in consultation with housing experts and after seeking public feedback. These changes aim to streamline access to support for vulnerable tenants while maintaining administrative transparency.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes barrier (notice to quit) for housing assistance, streamlines access for tenants at risk of homelessness, and requires clear homelessness criteria to better support vulnerable tenants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 817: An Act to maintain stable housing for families with pets

This bill (SD 817) protects tenants with pets from eviction during emergencies and standardizes pet policies in housing. Landlords cannot evict tenants for having pets during a state of emergency (for one year after it ends) unless pets cause actual harm, and hotels cannot unreasonably refuse pets during emergencies. It bans housing rules that restrict pets based on breed, size, or appearance, and allows landlords to charge a capped additional rent (max 1% of rent per dog or total for other pets), excluding service animals. These changes directly affect renters, landlords, and housing authorities, aiming to prevent pet-related housing discrimination.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects tenants from pet-related eviction during emergencies and bans breed/size restrictions, strengthening tenant rights in housing policy as per topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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in committee · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 2669: An Act enabling local options for tenant protections

By Mr. Eldridge, a petition (accompanied by bill) (subject to Joint Rule 12) of James B. Eldridge for legislation to allow individual cities and towns to create their own laws regarding tenant protections. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables local cities/towns to create tenant protection laws, strengthening housing tenant rights per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 338: An Act establishing free broadband internet access in public housing

This bill requires all public housing units in the Commonwealth to provide free broadband internet access to residents, establishing it as a standard feature of "decent, safe and sanitary dwellings" under housing law. It mandates the state department to study broadband's connection to public health, particularly in underserved communities. Housing authorities will receive state funding (appropriated by the General Court) to implement and maintain this free service, with broadband explicitly excluded from being classified as a utility. The policy directly affects public housing residents and housing authorities responsible for compliance.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates free broadband in public housing as a standard feature of 'decent, safe, sanitary dwellings,' directly enhancing housing quality and accessibility for residents in affordable housing units.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates free broadband in public housing, expanding internet access in underserved communities with state funding for implementation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Broadband Access Telecommunications

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 3066: An Act allowing movable tiny houses as permanent residential dwellings and accessory dwelling units

This bill allows movable tiny houses (under 400 sq ft) to be used as permanent primary residences or accessory units on single-family lots in Massachusetts. It creates a new state registration category with a $100 title fee, requires adherence to specific chassis and size standards, and mandates an on-site inspection after 180 days of occupancy to ensure basic utilities and safety. Local cities and towns must permit these units but cannot impose exclusionary design rules, though they may offer tax incentives for hosting them. The policy directly affects homeowners seeking affordable housing options, property owners on single-family lots, and municipal governments responsible for zoning enforcement.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAllows tiny homes as affordable housing options, removes local development barriers, and creates new housing supply through regulatory change.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Tenant Rights Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · House Mar 3, 2025

HD 4036: Proposal for a legislative amendment to the Constitution for a Constitutional right to housing

By Representative Day of Stoneham (by request), a petition (accompanied by proposal for constitutional amendment, House, No. 65) of Vincent Lawrence Dixon for a legislative amendment to the Constitution relative to the right to housing. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill proposes constitutional right to housing, establishing legal protection for housing access, directly aligning with tenant protection and housing security indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 2945: An Act to further empower local climate action

HD 2945 modifies a climate demonstration project to require cities and towns to meet stricter housing affordability standards before joining. It raises the required housing affordability threshold from 10% to 20% under Chapter 40B of state law, or mandates that municipalities adopt zoning allowing multi-family housing without age restrictions for families with children. This applies to all municipalities seeking participation in the program, with exceptions for those already meeting the 10% threshold by December 21, 2020. The bill directly affects local governments aiming to participate in the climate initiative.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill modifies climate demonstration project to require stricter housing standards for joining, advancing climate action (core environmental topic).90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRaises housing affordability threshold from 10% to 20% and mandates zoning for multi-family housing without age restrictions, directly advancing affordable housing access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1307: An Act to codify pet-friendly elderly housing policies and ensure pet parity across housing authorities

This bill (HD 1307) formalizes pet-friendly policies for elderly residents in state-aided public housing across Massachusetts. It directly affects elderly tenants by prohibiting housing authorities from banning dogs based on breed, size, or appearance, requiring declawing, charging pet deposits over $160 or one month’s rent, or evicting solely for having a pet. Key provisions include banning breed restrictions, limiting deposits, and requiring housing authorities to update pet ownership regulations. An advisory group, including tenant advocates and animal welfare representatives, will help develop housing-specific pet policies and guidance for housing authorities. The bill aims to standardize pet access while ensuring housing authorities comply with these new requirements.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects elderly tenant rights by banning breed restrictions, excessive pet fees, and pet-based evictions, strengthening housing accessibility for vulnerable residents.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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