Bill > S2545

This bill authorizes the city of Somerville to regulate rent in residential dwelling units. The key provisions include: 1. The city may set an annual maximum percentage rent increase of up to 5% based on the consumer price index, with exemptions for certain types of properties such as those with 3 or fewer units where the owner resides, new construction, public housing, and transient accommodations. 2. The city must establish a process for setting base rents and minimum standards for units that lose their exempt status. 3. The city must provide "just cause" protections for evictions, such as non-payment of rent, lease violations, criminal activity, or the owner seeking to occupy the unit. 4. The city may require relocation plans and payments for tenants displaced due to the owner removing the unit from the rental market or demolishing/converting it. The bill aims to address Somerville's housing affordability crisis by stabilizing rents and providing eviction protections for residential tenants.