News Archives - Page 23 of 95 - MassLandlords.net

MBTA Zoning Law Sparks Housing Debate in Brookline

First Published March 24th, 2023 | Updated April 19th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

photo of Coolidge Corner, a thriving commercial intersection in Brookline, picturing a block with tudor castle-like architecture and ground-floor shops like Walgreens and others, pedestrians crossing the street and several cars parked along the curb.

If it can overcome local opposition, Brookline may act as an example for other communities in complying with the MBTA Communities Act.

MassLandlords Testimony Against Boston Rent Control Docket #0408

Posted on March 6th, 2023 Posted in News - 2 Comments

Exceptions to the cap. Adjustments (increases or decreases) in the maximum allowable rent may be granted (through a petition process) on the following grounds: Tenants habitability concerns or changes in services provided to the unit. Landlord’s right to receive a fair return in consideration of property taxes, maintenance and operating expenses, capital improvements necessary to bring the unit into compliance with health and safety cod requirements, substantial deterioration of the rental unit, changes in the number of tenants.

MassLandlords staff drafted and submitted the below testimony opposed to Docket #0408 on rent control.

How Technology Can Help with Virtual Showings and Renting Apartments

Posted on March 3rd, 2023 Posted in News - 1 Comment

This is a cartoon image of an empty room in an apartment with beige walls and hardwood floors. A window is in the distance. A door on the right side of the room is ajar, revealing an empty room with blue walls. In the foreground, a hand holds a phone up with the camera app open, recording a tour of the empty room.

Over-the-phone or Zoom tours can narrow down prospective tenants and help out-of-state renters

Letter from the Executive Director for March 2023: Thank Members and Property Rights Supporters

Posted on March 1st, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

Our Letter from the Executive Director for March 2023 looks back on a policy-filled February.

Would Boston Mayor Wu’s Rent Control Proposal Help or Hinder Housing?

First Published February 28th, 2023 | Updated November 10th, 2025 Posted in News - 3 Comments

a photo of the exterior of Boston City Hall, a large, modern concrete-and-brick building, shown with the American and state flags flying in the wind.

Boston Mayor Wu’s recently published rent control proposal features some distinctions from past failed policies, but would it fare any better?

How Do Rent Control Boards Benefit the Wealthy and Well Connected?

First Published February 27th, 2023 | Updated September 30th, 2025 Posted in News - 3 Comments

Colliers advertises services, research & insights, properties, experts, multiple offices, careers, news, investor relations, and suggests work towards environment social and governance goals. Five glass high rises each over 25 floors reflect clouds passing far above ordinary people.

This article has been adapted from testimony submitted to Boston City Council on Feb. 22 opposed to Docket #0408 rent control.

MassLandlords, Inc., Sues City of Boston for Public Records Related to Mayor’s Rent Control Committee

First Published February 27th, 2023 | Updated September 30th, 2025 Posted in News - 7 Comments

An iPad sits on a table showing a page from the City of Boston website. The page title is “Members of Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee Announced.” The date is March 11, 2022. Derivative of image licensed by Unsplash.

Boston defied orders from state Supervisor of Records to show emails from nonprofit and for-profit developers, favored over renters and housing operators alike in both appointments and final proposal.

Why Was Cambridge’s Rent Control Racist? Why Would Boston’s Be the Same?

First Published February 23rd, 2023 | Updated April 20th, 2023 Posted in News - 0 Comments

On Availability Discrimination under Rent Control. Heikki A. Loikkanen. Academy of Finland, Helsinki, Finland. Scand. J. Economics 87 (3) 500-520, 1985. Statistical discrimination and search theory approaches are used to consider the behavior of a landlord with a vacant rental unit. Often, and especially under rent control, rents cannot be differentiated by tenant type...

The following has been adapted from written testimony provided to the City of Boston Hearing for Docket #0408 on rent control Feb. 22, 2023.

An Open Letter to Boston City Council about Rent Control and G.L. Chapter 40P

Posted on February 20th, 2023 Posted in News - 2 Comments

Boston City Hall looms large in a black and white photo. The words Rent Control run along its upper roof line.

This letter opposed to Mayor Wu’s rent control was sent to Boston City Council in early February. A similar letter was sent to the legislature.

Can a Landlord Put Professional Cleaning Fees in a Lease?

First Published February 6th, 2023 | Updated October 31st, 2025 Posted in News - 11 Comments

This photograph shows an empty room with a beige carpet and white walls and ceiling. One wall has a window with blinds that are partially open, the wall opposite it appears to have a mirrored closet door.

Security deposit law says you cannot deduct from the security deposit for reasonable wear and tear, but can you charge your tenants for cleaning after they move out?