Massachusetts cities and towns could set local tenant rules

A city or town accepting this section could regulate rents and evictions in multi-family housing. The option covers multi-family housing, subject to the exclusions in the bill. A city or town could set reasonable exemptions and fair-return standards for property owners. The section excludes buildings with three or fewer homes where the owner lives there, certain institutions and housing, and homes whose first occupancy certificate was issued within the past 15 years. A city or town could act after accepting the section if the bill becomes law; the bill gives no start date.

A city or town accepting this section could limit when landlords may recover a home, and could require notice to the local clerk before a court case. The option applies to housing in a city or town that adopts it, subject to local exemptions and the bill's exclusion for buildings with three or fewer homes where the owner lives there. A local rule could allow recovery for reasons such as unpaid rent, certain lease violations, or a landlord's good-faith need for the home. For a landlord's own or specified family member's use, the bill provides for 180 days' written notice and relocation help worth at least three months' rent, with possible local exemptions for some lower- or moderate-income landlords. A landlord who recovers a home in violation could face a fine of at least $5,000 for each offense. A city or town could adopt this section if the bill becomes law; before starting a court case, a landlord would notify the local clerk.

A city or town accepting this section could regulate tenant deposits and move-in fees, offer installment payments for certain costs, and regulate businesses that find homes for a fee. The option covers residential tenants and people looking to rent, subject to the owner-occupied building exemption. Local rules could not let a landlord require more than the amount allowed by the cited state law. For tenancies of six months or longer, tenants could choose six equal monthly payments for the security deposit and last month's rent; for shorter tenancies, they could choose up to four equal payments. A landlord could not charge extra because a tenant pays last month's rent in installments. The section excludes tenants in buildings with three or fewer homes where the owner lives there. A city or town could act after accepting this section if the bill becomes law; the bill gives no start date.

A city or town could regulate tenant protections around home conversions and focus accepted protections in designated areas facing displacement. Conversion rules and designated areas would apply within the city or town adopting them. A city or town's legislative body would need to approve conversion rules by majority vote. A city or town could designate areas where low-, moderate-, or middle-income households have been displaced or face displacement, as defined locally. A community organization could petition for a zone. A city or town could adopt conversion rules or designate an area if the bill becomes law and the relevant local requirements are met; no start date is given.