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Letter from the Executive Director for January 2024: RentControlHistory.com

Posted on January 3rd, 2024 Posted in News - 2 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for January 2024 covers two public records issues, some worthwhile events and the launch of our new website.

HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents Now Represent 45% of Participants

Posted on December 28th, 2023 Posted in News - 2 Comments

A chart from the Department of Housing and Urban Development outlines the various small area fair market rents for some of the zip codes in Worcester county. The lowest rent is an efficiency in the zip code 01010, at $850 a month. The highest rent is a four-bedroom house in the zip code 01430, at $3550 a month. The chart is superimposed over a solid-colored image of the state of Massachusetts.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development has increased the number of zip codes required to use SAFMRs, allowing 800,000 households greater access to housing choice.

Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) asked to Hear Public Records Case

First Published December 27th, 2023 | Updated July 15th, 2024 Posted in News - 2 Comments

A mac computer shows an email from SJC Full Court Clerk sent Monday December 18, 2023 at 4:00 pm to peter. Subject FAR-29614 Notice of Entry. The email body states simply that the SJC recognizes application in the matter of MassLandlords, Inc. vs. the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Suffolk Superior Court No. 2184CV02866 appeals court 2022-P-1211.

In MassLandlords vs. EOHLC we are attempting to understand how tens of thousands of applications for rental assistance were timed out. We intend to shore up the safety net for current and future applicants.

Do You Own Some Small, Unbuildable, Taxable, Urban Land?

First Published December 22nd, 2023 | Updated March 14th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

photo of an urban vacant lot covered in a pile of gravel and large rocks, across the street from multifamily houses.

Imagine a piece of your idle, unbuildable land becoming a tax-free thriving mid-city forest providing clean air, greenery and improved aesthetic for an urban community.

Aroma Diffusers Could Be Causing Air Quality and Nuisance Alarm Issues

Posted on December 15th, 2023 Posted in News - 2 Comments

Air quality monitors pick up on particulate in the air, and this handheld one was quick to detect a high reading from the aroma diffuser on the night table just a couple of feet away.

Aroma diffusers, also called essential oil diffusers, could be causing problems in your rental units.

MassLandlords Testifies at Lengthy Joint Committee Hearing: No Rent Control or TOPA

First Published December 5th, 2023 | Updated November 5th, 2024 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A screen capture of a Caucasian woman at her desk on a Zoom meeting.

The Nov. 14 Joint Committee on Housing hearing lasted nearly 6 hours, with multiple bills on the docket. We brought your voices and testified.

It’s a Start: State’s Deleading Tax Credit Doubles to $3,000

First Published December 4th, 2023 | Updated November 9th, 2024 Posted in News - 3 Comments

Closeup photo of a wooden staircase newel, with hardwood floor in the background and a staircase leading down to an exterior door.

An increase in the state’s deleading tax credit, instigated by MassLandlords’ action, falls far short of what we proposed and what is needed.

Letter from the Executive Director for December 2023: We Changed a Law!

Posted on December 1st, 2023 Posted in News - 1 Comment

Our Letter from the Executive Director for December 2023 covers the deleading credit, a State House hearing, and cost savings initiatives, among other topics.