Call to Action: Contact Your Elected Officials Today to Support Rent Escrow via House Bill 1883!
On October 21, 2025, SPOA member Kelvin Akyeampong testified at the Massachusetts State House in support of House Bill 1883, filed by Rep. Paul McMurtry, which would allow for the creation of Rent Escrow Accounts to be established when there is a dispute between a tenant and a rental property owner.
Establishing a common sense and good faith Rent Escrow provision in this bill would be a win-win for all parties. Tenants would still be able to withhold rents if there were serious code and safety violations. At the same time, rental property owners would be protected, knowing that when a dispute is resolved, they will not be left with thousands of dollars in unpaid rent.
Per previous testimony provided by SPOA in recent years, our dispute resolution system is broken. It is difficult being a small housing provider in Massachusetts. State eviction laws and the onerous process can take years to conclude and potentially end in financial ruin for even the best and most conscientious rental property owners. Why should default laws that adhere to every other legal contract not exist between landlords and tenants?
This rent escrow proposal would be an easy fix that will make it easier for small property owners to operate, as well as make a serious dent, estimated by as much as 50 percent, in the housing courts caseload.
We will only find the answers to this daunting housing crisis by working together.
Below, you will find a written transcript of Kelvin's testimony before the Housing Committee, in addition to a video clip of his testimony on behalf of SPOA and all rental housing providers across Massachusetts. Beneath those links, you will find a letter that you can email to your elected officials, urging them to support Rent Escrow via House Bill 1883. Another link is provided to help you find your state representative and state senator. Please contact your elected officials and urge them to pass this bill today!
Written Transcript of SPOA's State House Testimony in Support of Rent Escrow House Bill 1883 on October 21, 2025
Good afternoon Chair Day, Chair Edwards, and members of the committee. I appreciate the opportunity. My name is Kelvin Akyeampong with the Small Property Owners Association. I'm here as a small property owner in Worcester County. I'm here to speak in strong suppport of House Bill 1883, the rent escrow bill.
As a landlord, I believe in safe, dignified housing and in treating tenants fairly. But I have also seen firsthand how our laws can be used unfairly against small housing providers.
In one of my recent cases, I faced a tenant who stopped paying rent for months, claiming issues that were either exagerated or already resolved. During that time, I still had to cover the mortgage, property taxes, repairs, utilities, and even the tenant's motel stay, all while having no rental income. The process dragged on for months before I could recover the unit, and by then, I had lost tens of thousands of dollars and opportunities to rent to others who truly needed housing.
This isn't just my story, it's a common experience for small landlords across Massachusetts. When rent is wittheld indefinately, we face financial strain that can lead to foreclosure and divestment in affordable housing.
House Bill 1883 restores fairness. It doesn't take away a tenant's right to witthold rent for serious issues, it simply requires that the rent be held in escrow while the case is decided. That protects both sides: tenants still have leverage, and landlords are protected from bad-faith nonpayment.
Rent escrow promotes responsibility, transparency, and accountability on both ends. It ensures that tenants who raise legitimate complaints are protected, while landlords who provide housing in good faith are not left powerless.
I urge you to support H.1883 and bring balance back to the landlord-tenant relationship in Massachusetts.
Thank you!
Kelvin Akyeampong
Letter to Elected Officials Supporting Rent Escrow House Bill 1883
Dear Rep. (insert name) and Sen. (insert name),
I am writing in support House Bill 1883, filed by Rep. Paul McMurtry, which would allow for the creation of Rent Escrow Accounts to be established when there is a dispute between a tenant and a rental property owner.
Establishing a common sense and good faith Rent Escrow provision in this bill would be a win-win for all parties. Tenants would still be able to withhold rents if there were serious code and safety violations. At the same time, rental property owners would be protected, knowing that when a dispute is resolved, they will not be left with thousands of dollars in unpaid rent.
Per previous testimony provided by SPOA in recent years, our dispute resolution system is broken. It is difficult being a small housing provider in Massachusetts. State eviction laws and the onerous process can take years to conclude and potentially end in financial ruin for even the best and most conscientious rental property owners. Why should default laws that adhere to every other legal contract not exist between landlords and tenants?
This rent escrow proposal would be an easy fix that will make it easier for small property owners to operate, as well as make a serious dent, estimated by as much as 50 percent, in the housing courts caseload.
We will only find the answers to this daunting housing crisis by working together. Please vote in favor of Rent Escrow via H. 1883!
Sincerely,
(Your name)
You may find your state representative and state senator using the link below.
