Bill > S872

This bill aims to enable local options for tenant protections in Massachusetts. It proposes amendments to Chapter 40P of the General Laws, which would be renamed the "Tenant Protection Act." The key provisions include: 1. Allowing municipalities to adopt local rent stabilization, just cause eviction protections, condominium conversion ordinances, and other tenant protections, while also providing for fair return standards for property owners and exemptions for owner-occupant landlords and new/recently-constructed housing. 2. Establishing that municipalities can regulate tenant deposits, move-in fees, and broker fees, including allowing for installment payment options for security deposits and last month's rent. 3. Enabling municipalities to create "anti-displacement zones" where the provisions of the Act can be specifically implemented or exempted, based on the income levels of residential households in those areas. The bill is intended to address issues of homelessness, displacement, lack of affordable housing, and excessive rent burden across Massachusetts.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/193/S872