SPOA Releases Episode 5 of Housing Policy Series with "How Competition Fuels Housing Affordability"

The Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) is pleased to release Episode 5 of the SPOA Housing Policy Series, which is called "How Competition Fuels Housing Affordability."

We speak with Mr. Jay Ash, who was the Secretary of Housing and Economic Development for Massachusetts under former Governor Charlie Baker. Also a former Chelsea city manager, Jay serves as CEO of the nonprofit Massachusetts Competitive Partnership.

The discussion centers on the hostile business climate that has discouraged competition in Massachusetts, forcing people and businesses to other states with low taxes and less regulations. Among other threats to property owners, we discuss the controversial transfer tax proposal, while discussing energy policy and ways to encourage housing affordability by attracting people and businesses back to Massachusetts.

SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion with panelists Demetrios Salpoglou (CEO, Boston Pads) and Allison Drescher (President, SPOA).

You can see the video by clicking the link below.

SPOA Housing Policy Series
Episode 5
How Competition Fuels Housing Affordability

by Amir Shahsavari

Legislative Update from Preti Strategies for April 2024

By a joint House and Senate rule, full formal sessions, where larger controversial issues can be debated and voted on, ends on July 31, 2024.  With the clock ticking, and the debate over a tighter-than-normal annual state budget looming, Governor Maura Healey's housing bond bill is making its way through the legislative process and is expected to be considered first by the House of Representatives in early Spring.  The $4.1 billion bond authorization bill contains an additional 28 policy proposals, some of which are good, and some of which are bad from SPOA’s perspective.  When the bill was heard before the Joint Committee on Housing in January, SPOA testified against one of the bad ones—the so-called “transfer tax.”  This provision allows any city or town to impose additional fees on certain real estate transactions.  In testimony to the committee, SPOA outlined its opposition, stating: "[The transfer tax] runs counter to the bill's broader goal of increasing the supply of housing for the simple reason that this will further constrain the housing market in a time of adverse economic conditions."

Also concerning, the housing bond bill allows for expanded record sealing.  SPOA has long opposed any attempt by the legislature to seal rental history records because we believe landlords need full transparency when making decisions.  Last session, a less-than-perfect, but much improved, eviction-sealing bill died at the end of the session.  Some of the most egregious sections that would have allowed for the sealing of cases where the tenant committed illegal activities were stripped from the bill after feedback was received from SPOA.  With that same compromise version having been re-filed by the governor as part of her housing bill, we were surprised to see a new version emerge from the House Judiciary Committee.  The new version is actually a giant step backwards and brings new challenges in terms of potential liability to small landlords.  We will have more on this later, but clearly there is a lot of work left to do on this issue.

On the positive side, the governor’s bill will make it much easier for accessory apartments to be brought online as the bill overrides local zoning ordinances and requires communities to approve these new units provided minimum standards are met.  We applaud the governor for this initiative which will bring thousands of new rental units into the marketplace. 

Finally, we are deeply concerned about Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s proposal to dramatically increase the tax liability for commercial properties.  Not only could this be a devastating blow to rental property owners, but it could also severely hamper efforts to revitalize the downtown area and slash overall commercial tax revenues even further.  From a state-wide perspective, Wu’s proposal must get legislative proposal to move forward.  Our concern, and the reason we will be watching this process closely, is that any effort by the legislature to allow Boston an exception to the rule could embolden other communities to ask for the same thing.  SPOA will continue to update the membership as this proposal moves through the local and state legislative processes. 

by Jim Eisenberg

Controversial Medford Proposal Drives Housing Providers to Defend Property Rights

By the time of this publication, the April 2, 2024 meeting will have taken place. SPOA encourages property owners and those who support reasonable housing policies to continue advocating for themselves after this date and to keep SPOA updated about the actions of the Medford City Council and your communications with them. 

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March 30, 2024

Dear SPOA Members and Supporters:

On Tuesday, April 2, at 7 PM, the Medford City Council will consider a proposal to impose a license requirement on owners who rent their private property. They would seek to view your leases, your private financial documents, and the private information of your tenants. They would seek to obtain licensing fees from property owners as well.

Both owners and tenants alike have rights to privacy, and the passage of this proposal would violate those rights.

Please join other owners and brokers in attending the meeting to reject this proposal and to support property rights, while protecting investment and housing creation in Medford.

The meeting will be held at Medford City Hall within the City Council Chamber on the second floor. The address is 85 George P. Hassett Dr., Medford, MA 02155.

Some property owners have reported that the city council has not been transparent with the public. Therefore, it is very important for you to show up to make your voices heard, and to reject this proposal. An agenda for the meeting can be found here.

Sincerely,

Small Property Owners Association (SPOA)

by Amir Shahsavari

Attention Arlington Owners: You May Be Forced to Accept Pets

According to a recent CBS/WBZ News report, Arlington is considering a new bylaw that will require rental property owners to accept common household pets, if the bylaw is passed at town meeting this April. Property owners will be allowed to charge additional pet fees. The pet owners would be required to be "responsible" according to the proponents of the bylaw. The animals would also have to be licensed and spayed or neutered. However, some Arlington residents have voiced concern about this proposal, as it would negate property owner rights and affect administrative oversight of their properties. Others have voiced concern about owners and tenants who are allergic to, or uncomfortable with, animals. 

This bylaw will need a majority vote at Arlington's April town meeting. If it meets this threshold, it will go to the attorney general's office for approval. 

If you are concerned about this proposed bylaw, we recommend that you speak to your representatives in Arlington and confirm the date of the town meeting, so that you can attend to voice your opposition.

You can read the entire CBS/WBZ News story by clicking on the link below. 

by Allen Hebert and Amir Shahsavari

8 Things an Owner Can Do to Get the Most Rent in Boston

As operating expenses and inflation continue to rise, rental housing providers should be proactive in enhancing their properties in order to get the best returns. In some cases, small tweaks can make a  big difference for the better. You can learn more by clicking on the link below.

by Demetrios Salpoglou

Fire at Your Rental Property? Here's What to Do

As an old city with an aging housing stock, Boston is prone to fires for numerous reasons. There are an estimated 100,000 apartment fires each year, per the National Fire Prevention Association. Read more about how to manage these situations by clicking on the link to the full article below.

by Alexander Osornio