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Spooky Story: The Legend of Security Deposit Hollow

First Published October 31st, 2021 | Updated October 15th, 2025 Posted in laws, policy - 1 Comment

A carved jack-o-lantern against a black background is lit from within by a candle that makes its face glow orange. The pumpkin has a scary expression, with narrowed eyes and an open mouth full of pointy teeth. Above the pumpkin, the words “Triple Damages” in a creepy font appear in white, with white smoke surrounding them.

The Legend of Security Deposit Hollow is a tale of triple damages from good faith errors with a Massachusetts security deposit.

Water Submetering

First Published February 25th, 2019 | Updated October 8th, 2025

A guide to billing renters for water in Massachusetts. Includes submetering but also applies to single family buildings.

The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy.

First Published August 21st, 2025 | Updated October 3rd, 2025

The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy takes unbuildable land to help native species and biodiversity, helping landlords and residents.

Election Nominations

First Published November 25th, 2019 | Updated October 1st, 2025

Nominate someone for the MassLandlords Board of Directors or the Good Neighbor Award.

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.

“Broker Fee Ban” Signed into Law via Budget; Zillow Application Fees Apparently Banned

First Published July 16th, 2025 | Updated September 30th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

FY 2026 Budget Conference Committee. About this step. The House and Senate appoint three members each to a "Conference Committee" to reconcile the differences between the House and Senate proposals. One member of the minority party must be appointed by each branch. The Conference Committee reports a final compromise bill to the House and Senate for a final vote of acceptance in each branch. Conference Report H.4240 Download PDF.

The Massachusetts Fiscal Year 2026 budget enacted a new change to broker fees for rental housing, sometimes called a broker fee ban. We review it and answer frequently asked questions.

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

First Published December 20th, 2024 | Updated September 29th, 2025 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.

Home Depot Savings Can Cover Your Membership Dues

First Published June 25th, 2025 | Updated September 29th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

a photo of the interior of a Home Depot store. Shelves of lumber are visible in the foreground, with signs indicating other departments going down the aisle. A person in jeans and a sweatshirt facing away from the camera walks down the main aisle.

The Home Depot Pro Xtra membership perk allows MassLandlords members to save money on everything from paint to appliances.

Filings Month Ending 2025 August 31

Posted on September 29th, 2025

Massachusetts Eviction Data and Housing Court Statistics Filings Month Ending 2025 August 31

Landlording 101: How to Buy a Rental Property

Posted on September 29th, 2025 Posted in News - 0 Comments

an aerial view photograph of Boston shows many high-rise buildings, the river, and seaport, and the communities beyond.

Are you a new or prospective landlord? These are the basics about choosing a new rental property, taken directly from our Crash Course in Landlording.

Spooky Story: The Legend of Security Deposit Hollow

Water Submetering

The Massachusetts Urban Conservancy.

Election Nominations

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

“Broker Fee Ban” Signed into Law via Budget; Zillow Application Fees Apparently Banned

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

Home Depot Savings Can Cover Your Membership Dues

Filings Month Ending 2025 August 31

Landlording 101: How to Buy a Rental Property

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