Housing (Tenant Rights)

introduced · Massachusetts · Senate

SD 1771: An Act promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts

SD 1771 establishes a statewide Access to Counsel Program in Massachusetts to provide free legal representation to low-income tenants and owner-occupants facing housing-related legal actions, such as evictions or termination of housing subsidies. Eligible individuals must qualify as indigent (e.g., receiving public assistance, earning ≤80% of area median income, or unable to afford legal fees without hardship). The program, funded by dedicated state appropriations and administered by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, requires landlords to provide a standardized form explaining legal aid eligibility to tenants. Designated nonprofit organizations will deliver full legal counsel through partner attorneys, with oversight from an advisory committee and a phased 5-year implementation.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides free legal counsel to low-income tenants facing evictions, strengthening tenant protections and housing stability through state-funded program95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 4021: An Act protecting tenants from retaliation and coercion

HD 4021 protects tenants in Massachusetts from landlord retaliation related to immigration status. It prohibits landlords from threatening to report a tenant's immigration status (unless required by law) or suing to evict based solely on that status. Landlords can still follow legal requirements like court orders, verify financial qualifications, or address lease violations. Tenants who face prohibited actions can seek actual damages, up to $2,000 per violation, attorney fees, or other court-ordered relief. The bill explicitly states immigration status cannot be used in housing rights cases unless directly relevant to the claim.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits landlord retaliation based on immigration status, strengthening tenant protections under housing policy.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationProhibits landlords from threatening to report immigration status or evict based solely on it, directly protecting immigrant tenants from retaliation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords 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 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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introduced · Massachusetts · House

HD 1042: An Act promoting housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program

HD 1042 strengthens Massachusetts' HomeBASE program by expanding housing assistance for families at risk of eviction or needing housing transitions. It provides up to $50,000 in the first 24 months (renewable for $25,000 annually) to eligible families with children under 21 or pregnant individuals, removing income restrictions after enrollment and allowing applications even after eviction court filings. The bill enables families to combine this assistance with other housing funds like "residential assistance for families in transition" when needed, without duplicating support. It directly affects families facing housing instability, particularly those complying with rehousing plans or facing no-fault eviction reasons.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill strengthens HomeBASE program with $50k housing assistance to prevent eviction, removes income barriers, and allows post-eviction applications, directly advancing affordable housing and tenant protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1305: An Act to further regulate tenant fees in rental housing

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.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRegulates excessive tenant fees (junk fees), strengthening tenant protections and reducing financial barriers in rental housing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Feb 27, 2025

SD 1084: An Act enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants

By Ms. Jehlen, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1447) of Patricia D. Jehlen, Adam Gomez, Mike Connolly, Paul W. Mark and other members of the General Court for legislation to enable cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants. Municipalities and Regional Government.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEnables rent stabilization and tenant protections, directly advancing tenant rights and affordable housing access per bill title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Dec 4, 2025

S 1002: An Act relative to accessory dwelling units on smaller lots

By Mr. Kennedy, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 1002) of Edward J. Kennedy for legislation to require a municipal vote relative to tenant occupancy of accessory dwelling units on smaller lots. Housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates municipal votes for tenant occupancy of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on smaller lots, enabling increased housing supply and affordable housing development through ADU expansion.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights Zoning

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passed · Massachusetts · Senate Jun 29, 2026

S 1970: 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 for lower-income renters, aligning with fiscal support for middle/lower income through tax policy.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly increases renter relief tax credit, directly advancing affordable housing and providing tenant financial relief.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renters Tenant Rights

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