Blog - Archived - Page 2 of 109

Forcing Tenants to Pay Brokers’ Fees is Already Illegal, No New Legislation Needed

Posted on February 26th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Screen shot of MGL Ch. 186 s. 15B(1)(B), which enumerates the four fees that a landlord may collect from a tenant at or before tenancy has begun.

The illegal practice of landlords charging new tenants brokers’ fees could be addressed with a little enforcement of current laws.

YIMBY: Cambridge Adopts Six Stories By Right in Landmark Zoning Change

Posted on February 26th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A photograph shows the Harvard Red Line public transit station in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on an overcast day. Two escalators descend underground. Several people (out of focus) are near or on the escalators. The sign above the station reads “Harvard Buses and Trains.”

Landmark zoning decision incentivizes affordable housing and removes setback restrictions, with no special permit required for buildings under 75,000 square feet.

Letter from the Executive Director for March 2025: Backdoor Eviction Moratorium taking Effect

First Published February 26th, 2025 | Updated February 27th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for March 2025 details a major policy headwind from the Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission that will come to blows if more people don’t start talking.

Mass. Climate Bill Paves Way for Gas Companies to Lead Geothermal

First Published January 30th, 2025 | Updated January 31st, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Photo of a large underground drill poised to penetrate ground on a clear, sunny day with wispy clouds in the sky.

Networked geothermal projects like Eversource’s Framingham pilot get an important boost via the state’s new climate law.

Landlords Beware: “Renter ID” and “Consumer Protection” Numbers May Mask True Credit Scores, Identities

Posted on January 28th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A composite image of multiple screen shots from TikTok videos that are pro-CPN usage. Titles include “Things you can do with a CPN – get an apartment” and “POV: I made a CPN for myself and approved for my apartment next 2 days.”

These fraudulent numbers look exactly like social security numbers and may even pull up a credit score for potential renters. But using them to hide the truth is unlawful.

Ask Your Representative or Senator to Co-sponsor An Act Preventing Fires and Secondhand Smoke in Non-Smoking Rental Housing

Posted on January 28th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A ceiling light sits beside what should be a smoke detector. Instead we see Thomas the Tank Engine underwear from a toddler covering the detector.

Senator Keenan has sponsored legislation that would make rental housing much safer by allowing landlords to properly enforce no-smoking rental agreements.

Letter from the Executive Director for February 2025: Building What the Market Won’t

Posted on January 28th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for February 2025 reviews the ongoing work we’re doing with information systems, a grant application and a fire safety bill.

Renter Appeals Own Win in Housing Court, Secures Additional Damages Under 93A

Posted on January 28th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A blue triple-decker home sits close to the street. A wooden accessibility ramp crosses the front of the house at street level. A child’s bicycle is on its side in the small front lawn area.

In Ndoro v. Torres, a judge ruled the tenant did not have a claim under the state’s consumer protection laws. That determination was reversed upon appeal by the tenant.

To Collect a Security Deposit or Not? Worcester Housing Authority No Longer Does, Joining Other Agencies

Posted on December 23rd, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Screen shot of the Massachusetts security deposit law, M.G.L. Ch. 186 S. 15B, as posted at malegilsature.gov.

The WHA cited untenable costs for the agency and for clients in ending its policy. We want your thoughts on security deposits.

Homeowners Beware: New Law Exempts BlueHub, Lenders from Consumer Protection, Usury Laws, Despite 20% APRs.

Posted on December 20th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A 2-storey brick building surrounded by trees and a small brick courtyard. A parking lot can be partially seen in the foreground.

By signing the legislature’s economic development bill into law, Gov. Healey codifies sweeping protections for one specific nonprofit, operated by one of her most loyal donors.