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Letter from the Executive Director for June 2024: Multiple Threats Inbound

Posted on June 3rd, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for June 2024 looks at the end of the 193rd legislative session with rent control and eviction sealing looming.

Oppose Rent Control Bills, read RentControlHistory.com

First Published May 30th, 2024 | Updated June 13th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Judge Ruth Abrams wears old fashioned cravat and jacket with a bowl haircut. Prince Frederik wears a suit, tie and gold wedding band, and moustache and goatee. Ken Reeves wears glasses and a suit and stands in front of protestor signs as he talks with protestors.

Half a dozen rent control bills are before the State Legislature at the end of the 193rd session, each and every one a mistake.

Oppose the Housing Bond Bill Through the EOHLC Housing Survey

Posted on May 28th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A screenshot of the EHOLC housing survey. It features a model of a single-family gray and white one-story house sitting on a tabletop, with a full-size set of house keys next to it. The text to the right of the house reads: “EOHLC Strategic Statewide Housing Plan: 2024. Please provide feedback into our five-year strategic statewide housing plan.” A clickable button reads “start now.”

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is looking for feedback on the state of housing in Massachusetts. Your thoughts on the bond bill matter.

Powerful New Applicant Qualifier v13.1, Business Nuisance Disqualifiers, Released

First Published May 22nd, 2024 | Updated May 28th, 2024 Posted in News - 1 Comment

An applicant shouts into a landlord's ear. The landlord grimaces.

Our applicant qualifier underwent a significant revision in May 2024 based on field testing and modeling, anticipating that eviction sealing might pass and also trying to recognize modern housing crisis realities.

RAFT Kiss of Death: 22% Single Payment Success Rate, Study Shows, with Record High Debts, Low Housing Stability After Award

First Published May 20th, 2024 | Updated May 24th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A graph shows a sawtooth pattern of between $0 and $4,000 owed ending with $10,000 owed.

Does Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) work to keep households stable? In a word, no, it seems not. A new study of RentHelper payment histories shows unresolved issues in most cases.

Converting Baseboards and Radiators for Air-to-Water Heat Pumps

Posted on May 6th, 2024 Posted in News - 2 Comments

photo of a residence interior with an old steel radiator affixed to the wall underneath a window, with a blooming plant on the sill, and a hardwood floor.

For owners of older multi-families, converting from fossil-fuel heating can be an ominous task. Air-to-water heat pumps might be the answer.

Former Officer Defrauds Landlords, Gets Probation: A Cautionary Tale

Posted on May 2nd, 2024 Posted in News - 2 Comments

A street view of a luxury apartment complex made of stone, siding and contemporary materials, with playground structure in the foreground.

After pleading guilty to wire fraud and not paying rent, ex-Stoneham cop Robert Kennedy got a slap on the wrist. Lesson to landlords: Always double check the information you receive.

Letter from the Executive Director for May 2024: Eviction Sealing Referendum?

Posted on May 1st, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for May 2024 looks at the seriousness of our changing policy landscape and the impact of long evictions and eviction sealing on housing providers.

Corporate Transparency Act Still in Place, but Uncertain After Court Setback

Posted on April 29th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Photo of the front exterior of the U.S. Department of the Treasury building in Washington, D.C.

Following a decision of unconstitutionality by an Alabama district court, the Corporate Transparency Act’s future and definition are uncertain.

Remind Your Renters about Summer Fire Safety, Smoldering Mulch

Posted on April 26th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A screenshot of a Peter Eliopoulos story showing a Watertown mulch fire caused by sunlight only.

There’s never a good time for a fire. Each summer we remind readers to talk to your renters about fire prevention including mulch, grills and fireworks.