Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H1307

Introduced
2/16/23  
Refer
2/16/23  

Caption

Creating the Massachusetts healthy homes program

Impact

If enacted, H1307 would significantly impact housing laws in Massachusetts by creating a structured program for addressing urgent repair needs in residential properties. It would establish financial mechanisms, including grants and deferred payment loans, to assist eligible owner-occupants and landlords in making necessary repairs. This could lead to a healthier living environment for residents, especially in low-income communities. Additionally, by imposing conditions for loan forgiveness, the program aims to ensure long-term compliance with habitability standards among landlords and property owners.

Summary

House Bill 1307 proposes the establishment of the Massachusetts Healthy Homes Program, which aims to provide assistance for ensuring residential properties are free from habitability concerns, including health and safety hazards. The bill outlines the criteria for eligibility, targeting various categories of owner-occupants and landlords based on their income and property ownership status. The program is intended to facilitate home repairs and improvements, thereby enhancing the quality of living conditions for Massachusetts residents, particularly those in low-income brackets.

Contention

The proposed bill introduces several points of contention related to the responsibilities of landlords and the extent of government intervention in housing. Supporters advocate that it will address critical maintenance deficiencies that pose health risks, while critics may argue it places undue burdens on landlords. The requirement for landlords to manage finances conservatively, including keeping rent increases to a minimum, could lead to opposing views regarding their profitability and incentives. Furthermore, the delineation of what constitutes 'habitability concerns' might also lead to disputes, particularly in distinguishing between minor repair needs and serious habitability violations.

Companion Bills

MA H716

Similar To Amending the special act charter of the city of Northampton to allow residents sixteen years of age or older to vote in preliminary and city elections

MA H2253

Similar To To improve oral health for all Massachusetts residents

MA H4114

Similar To Authorizing local voting rights for lawful permanent residents residing in Leverett

MA H4226

Similar To Relative to establishing a food justice frontline

MA S2623

Similar To Authorizing the town of Brookline to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections

Previously Filed As

MA S881

Creating the Massachusetts healthy homes program

MA H1351

Codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program

MA H3616

Updating the regulations governing licensed birth centers in Massachusetts

MA H1731

Promoting access to counsel and housing stability in Massachusetts

MA H1547

Codifying the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program

MA H2197

To protect Massachusetts public health from PFAS

MA H3774

Creating a climate bank in Massachusetts

MA S1008

Relative to the Massachusetts rental voucher program

MA S888

Relative to the Massachusetts rental voucher program

MA H1888

Relative to improving the Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave Law

Similar Bills

MA S881

Creating the Massachusetts healthy homes program

MA H1532

Establishing a commission to study the impact of shifting residential broker fees from tenants to landlords

MA H1763

Maintaining parity in legal services for small property owners

MA S1077

Maintaining parity in legal services for small property owners

MA S973

Reforming incentives for landlords

MA S995

Relative to the use of credit reporting for rent-subsidized tenants

MA H1308

Relative to the use of credit reporting in housing

MA H1483

Relative to the use of credit reporting for rent-subsidized tenants