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A Landlord’s Guide to Small Claims Court in Massachusetts

Posted on March 25th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A tall and imposing Greek revival building looks like a five-story Parthenon surrounded by motor vehicle traffic.

An often-overlooked resource, housing providers can use the small claims process to seek judgments for unpaid rent, damages and more.

RAFT in Half: Governor’s Budget Includes Major Cuts to Rental Assistance Program

First Published March 24th, 2025 | Updated September 25th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A cartoon image of a sad family of four, two adults and two young children, walking up to the edge of a riverbank. Part of a house is visible behind them. In the water, a yellow raft reading “Commonwealth of Massachusetts” floats away from the family with a large hole in it.

Proposed FY 2026 budget allocates additional funds for RAFT, but doubles the wait time from 12 to 24 months once the assistance cap is reached.

Landlords’ Guide to Light Trespass and Light Pollution in Rental Properties – And What to Do About it

First Published March 24th, 2025 | Updated May 6th, 2025 Posted in policy - 0 Comments

photo of a blindingly bright light piercing the black night.

Light pollution and trespass are widespread and cause extensive harm to humans, nature and the planet, but can be addressed with a few simple, inexpensive fixes.

With Deductions Allowed, You May Qualify for Free Legal Assistance

Posted on March 24th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

photo of a triple decker house, with brown slate clapboard siding and beige trim, with rounded corner and porches on first and second floors; situated close to a neighboring house, against a gray overcast sky.

Legal representation can be expensive. The Volunteer Lawyers Project offers free legal assistance for qualifying landlords, and allows standard deductions in determining eligibility.

Worcester/CMHA Unveil Plans for Daytime Resource Center to Help Unhoused

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

A street view of an older two-story brick building on a corner lot. Parts of the road are cobblestoned; other areas are paved.

The center will offer centralized services for people experiencing homelessness, including housing and employment resources.

Know Your Rights: Public Housing Authorities May Not Deny Section 8 Rent Increases to Save Money

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

a bird’s eye photograph of Lowell, Massachusetts.

Section 8 administrators may not deny owners otherwise legitimate rent increases due to funding concerns.

State Error in Your Favor? Or a Bonanza for ADUs?

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

Photo of a triple-decker apartment building, painted cream with rust trim, with a driveway running alongside to a garage in the back, under an overcast sky.

Want to build an ADU on your triple-decker or business lot? With new state regulations, it might be permitted.

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

First Published February 26th, 2025 | Updated October 1st, 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.