Bill > H1532

This bill establishes a special commission to study the potential economic and social impacts of shifting real estate broker fees from tenants to landlords in Massachusetts residential leasing transactions. The commission will be composed of 9 members, including representatives from the state house and senate, a member from the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, a tenant advocacy organization representative, and an economist with housing policy expertise. The commission is tasked with investigating five key areas: the economic burden on landlords and tenants, effects on the rental housing market (including affordability and availability), impacts on real estate brokerage practices, comparisons with similar policies in other jurisdictions, and potential legal or practical challenges. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will provide administrative support, and the commission will conduct at least three public hearings across different regions of Massachusetts to gather stakeholder input. Within 12 months of the act's effective date, the commission must submit a comprehensive report with findings, recommendations, and potential draft legislation to the state legislative clerks and relevant committees.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1532