Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H5035

Introduced

9/9/24

Refer

9/9/24

Refer

9/9/24

Caption

Study Order

Impact

The passage of H5035 would have a substantial impact on state laws governing housing and tenant rights. By providing local governments with the authority to enforce rent stabilization and eviction protection measures, the bill would create a framework that might lead to more robust tenant protections in various municipalities. This could help mitigate the adverse effects of displacement and homelessness, particularly in urban centers like Boston, where housing costs have surged in recent years. Moreover, the bill emphasizes the importance of local control over housing policies, allowing communities to respond more effectively to their unique challenges.

Summary

House Bill H5035 is designed to address pressing housing issues in Massachusetts. The bill seeks to empower local governments to implement rent stabilization measures and tenant eviction protections. By allowing municipalities to tailor their housing policies to local needs, this legislation aims to provide enhanced protections to tenants, particularly in areas facing significant housing insecurity. The bill arose in response to a growing housing crisis exacerbated by rising rents and limited availability of affordable units, as many residents struggle to maintain stable housing.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, the bill faces opposition from various stakeholders. Critics argue that rent stabilization could deter investment in new housing developments, undermining overall housing supply. They contend that such measures might lead to unintended consequences, such as reduced maintenance and quality of existing rental properties. Proponents of the bill, on the other hand, assert that providing tenants with stability can ultimately lead to stronger communities and better housing outcomes. The debate around H5035 reflects broader discussions about the balance between protecting tenant rights and ensuring a healthy housing market.

Latest H5035 Activity

Companion Bills

MA S869

Replaces To reduce the financial barriers to renting homes

MA S863

Replaces Relative to reforming the housing development incentive program

MA S870

Replaces To improve the housing development incentive program

MA S850

Replaces Relative to local public housing authorities

MA S902

Replaces Relative to public housing determination for veterans

MA S903

Replaces Streamlining housing permitting

MA S895

Replaces To promote sustainable affordable housing

MA S1299

Replaces Enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants

MA S853

Replaces Financing the transition to fossil fuel-free buildings

MA S891

Replaces To restore Boston's governmentally-involved housing protection

MA S882

Replaces Relative to cimex lectularius

MA S898

Replaces Relative to expanding the eligibility of households for inclusion in a municipality’s affordable housing inventory

MA S872

Replaces Enabling local options for tenant protections

MA S871

Replaces To promote housing cooperatives

MA S894

Replaces To provide sewer and water rate relief

MA H1358

Replaces To increase access and financing for smart growth developments

MA H1346

Replaces Relative to condominium elections

MA H1342

Replaces Relative to public housing restrictions for sex offenders

MA H1371

Replaces To prohibit landlords and brokers from requiring broker's commissions to be paid by a tenant or prospective tenant

MA H1321

Replaces Relative to the definition of low and moderate income housing

MA H1314

Replaces Relative to CHAMP that will revert back to local residents receiving priority over applicants that have not been screened as emergency applicants

MA H1353

Replaces Providing relief of 40B regulations for municipalities sheltering individuals on behalf of DHCD

MA H1381

Replaces Providing for rent regulation and control of evictions in manufactured housing parks in the town of Athol

MA H1361

Replaces Enabling municipal housing agencies to enter enforceable deed restriction agreements with small property owners in good standing as part of zoning variance approval

MA H1320

Replaces To promote housing cooperatives

MA H1360

Replaces To restore Boston’s governmentally-involved housing

MA H1376

Replaces Relative to cimex lectularius

MA H1363

Replaces Relative to the display of the flag of the United States by condominium unit owners

MA H1319

Replaces Limiting rent increases and creating a rental arbitrator

MA H1356

Replaces Relative to excess profits resulting from 40B developments

MA H1348

Replaces Relative to detached accessory dwellings

MA H1357

Replaces Relative to 40B rental and sales eligibility

MA H1323

Replaces Relative to affordable housing

MA H1355

Replaces Relative to wildlife management areas and 40B structures

MA H1383

Replaces Relative to emergency backup power in newly-constructed senior housing facilities

MA H1306

Replaces Relative to capital relief in a counterclaim

MA H2103

Replaces Enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants

MA H1372

Replaces Relative to homeowner assets

MA H1304

Replaces Enabling local options for tenant protections

MA H1325

Replaces Relative to housing developments in small communities

MA H1315

Replaces Relative to CHAMP that will revert back to local residents receiving priority over applicants that have not been screened as emergency applicants

MA H1345

Replaces Relative to affordable housing and the preservation of a community's water resources

MA H1343

Replaces Relative to public housing restrictions

MA H1318

Replaces Relative to avoiding senior homelessness and maintaining senior housing stabilization of rents

MA H1344

Replaces Establishing an affordable housing qualification commission

MA H1300

Replaces To reform housing development incentive program tax credits

MA H1373

Replaces Relative to public housing determination for veterans

MA H1352

Replaces Relative to the state’s requirements for calculating the municipal land area for subsidized housing inventory (SHI)

MA H2028

Replaces To remove barriers and create affordable housing

MA H1322

Replaces Creating a commission to study the definition of affordable housing

MA H3744

Replaces Petition for a special law authorizing the city of Boston to implement rent stabilization and tenant eviction protections

MA H3777

Replaces Establishing permanent eviction protections and tenancy preservation notices

MA H3923

Replaces Addressing the requirement that multi-family districts in MBTA communities be within 0.5 miles of a commuter rail station, subway station, ferry terminal or bus station