Bill > H683

This bill amends the laws in Massachusetts to allow tenants to withhold rent and establish rent escrow accounts when a landlord fails to remedy code violations that endanger the health, safety, or well-being of the tenants. The key provisions are: 1) Banks must create rent escrow accounts upon request of a tenant, where rent payments can be deposited until the landlord remedies the issues. The account requires signatures from both the tenant and the landlord. 2) Tenants must provide written notice to the landlord within 10 days of the local authorities certifying code violations, and the landlord has 15 days to remedy the issues before the tenant can withhold rent. 3) Tenants must deposit all withheld rent into an escrow account, either with the court, an attorney, or a special account with the bank, in order to qualify for this relief. However, the tenant's portion of rent is exempt if the violations are not caused by the tenant and the landlord is receiving rental assistance. 4) The court can order the escrowed funds to be used for repairs if the landlord is required by law to make them or is facing severe financial hardship.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/190/H683