Cities and towns could set local rules for rents and tenant protections

A city or town that accepts this section may regulate rents in multi-family housing. A city or town may choose whether to accept this option and may later revoke its acceptance. The city or town may set reasonable exemptions and fair-return standards for property owners. The option excludes owner-occupied buildings with three or fewer units, listed institutions and dormitories, housing with rent regulated by a public housing authority, and housing whose first occupancy certificate was issued within the past 15 years. For a regulated home, the maximum rent would generally start from the rent charged 12 months before the city or town accepts this section. The city or town may later adjust it under the chapter.

A city or town that accepts this section may bar landlords from recovering covered homes unless a court finds a listed reason. The option applies to housing in a city or town that accepts it, subject to local exemptions. A city or town may set exemptions. Owner-occupied buildings with three or fewer units are excluded. Listed reasons include unpaid rent, certain lease violations left uncured after written notice, and a landlord’s good-faith need to use the home. For the landlord’s or a listed family member’s use, the landlord must give 180 days’ written notice and offer at least three months’ rent as relocation help. A city or town may partly or fully exempt low- or moderate-income landlords from that payment. A landlord must notify the local clerk before starting court proceedings. Each recovery that violates the rule carries a fine of at least $5,000. The landlord must give 180 days’ written notice when seeking the home for the landlord’s or a listed family member’s use.

A municipality may regulate housing conversions to condominiums or cooperatives and related tenant rent and eviction rules. The option covers homes within the municipality that are converted to condominium or cooperative ownership, and related tenant rent and eviction matters. The municipality’s legislative body must approve the local rule by majority vote. Rules may include tenant notices, permits, relocation costs, eviction limits, and exemptions. A municipality with earlier authority under a general law or special act may continue using it. A municipality that accepts this section may later revoke its acceptance.

A city or town may regulate rental deposits and move-in fees, allow installment payments, and regulate businesses that find homes for a fee. The option covers deposits and non-refundable move-in fees paid by residential tenants or people seeking to rent, as well as businesses that find homes for a fee. A local rule may not require tenants to pay more than the amounts allowed under the referenced state law. For tenancies lasting at least six months, tenants could choose six equal monthly payments for the security deposit and last month’s rent. For other tenancies, they could choose up to four equal payments. A different schedule requires the landlord’s agreement. Landlords may not charge a fee, interest, or other cost because a tenant pays last month’s rent in installments. These rules do not apply to tenants in owner-occupied buildings with three or fewer units. For a rental lasting at least six months, a tenant could choose six equal monthly payments starting when the tenancy begins. For other rental terms, a tenant could choose up to four equal payments starting then.

A city or town that accepts any section of this chapter may apply or exempt its protections in designated anti-displacement zones. The option is available to a city or town that accepts any section of the chapter. The municipality must define the zones and determine that low-, moderate-, or middle-income households have been displaced or face that risk. A community organization, as defined by the municipality, may petition for a zone.