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

Posted on March 24th, 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.

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.

Volunteer

First Published September 25th, 2018 | Updated March 21st, 2025

Our annual elections are just one way volunteers help steer MassLandlords, Inc. Get involved today.

Outcomes for May 2018

Posted on March 20th, 2025

Massachusetts Eviction Data and Housing Court Statistics: Outcomes for May 2018 filings

Outcomes for April 2018

Posted on March 20th, 2025

Massachusetts Eviction Data and Housing Court Statistics: Outcomes for April 2018 filings

Housing Court Rules: “Hold Fees” Unlawful in Massachusetts

First Published November 25th, 2024 | Updated March 14th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

A street view of 80 The Fenway, a collection of condos and apartments in a white multistory stone building. The building has two front entrances, each labeled “80 The Fenway,” and is on what appears to be the end of a roundabout or cul de sac.

Only collect the fees the state allows, and if the tenant changes their mind before lease signing, refund them. Deposits to hold an apartment, aka “hold fees,” are not lawful.