Bill > H3058

This bill enables cities and towns in Massachusetts to implement a local tax on vacant residential units in buildings with at least 6 units, designed to encourage property owners to rent out or utilize empty apartments. The tax can be either 12.5% of the unit's last known monthly rental rate or a rate determined by the municipality. Property owners must register vacant units with the local tax assessor within 30 days of the unit becoming vacant, providing details about the property's status and future plans. The tax does not apply in several exemption scenarios, such as units undergoing authorized redevelopment, units owned by someone experiencing a significant medical event, military deployment, recent inheritance, or units subject to legal disputes about ownership. Owners can request an exemption by applying to the local assessor, and municipalities can integrate this registration process with existing rental housing inspection programs. The goal appears to be addressing housing availability by financially incentivizing property owners to actively rent or utilize residential units, particularly in areas with housing shortages.

Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H3058