Legislative Update from Preti Strategies for April 2025
Summary of SPOA-Supported Legislation
2025-2026 Legislative Session
Tenant Escrow Legislation
House, No. 1489, “An Act creating the tenant’s escrow accounts.” Filed by Rep. DeCoste. Referred to the Joint Committee on Housing.
This bill would create a grant program to provide tenants with down payment assistance funded through a voluntary, tax-deductible contribution by landlords consisting of a portion of the rent either for the property owner's tenant, or into a general rental assistance fund for other tenants that could be restricted by zip-code.
Grants to Municipalities to Fund Voluntary Right-of-First-Refusal Programs
House, No. 2294, “An Act relative to voluntary municipal right of first refusal.” Filed by Rep. Jones. Referred to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government.
This bill creates a voluntary program that would allow municipalities to pay property owners for future rights to advance notice of any sale of their property. Property owners who engage in the program can receive financial incentives—$500 per qualified unit, up to a maximum of $10,000, plus reimbursement for document recording expenses, with total program payments capped at $5 million.
Anti-Squatter Legislation
House, No. 1802, “An Act addressing squatter’s rights.” Filed by Rep. Jones. Referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary.
This bill addresses an issue that is becoming more prevalent nationwide and protects the rights of property owners. The bill grants property owners or landlords the authority to demand the immediate eviction of individuals from a property if the property was not publicly accessible at the time of their entry, if they have been instructed to vacate, and if they do not possess a valid lease or written agreement, have overstayed their lease, or have deliberately violated its terms.
Eviction Procedure Restoration
House, No. 1490, “An Act relative to landlord’s right to information.” Filed by Rep. DeCoste. Referred to the Joint Committee on Housing.
This legislation would correct many of the so-called “temporary” changes, including but not limited to changes in eviction sealing laws, to Massachusetts eviction law that were put in place during the COVID era.
Allowing Landlords to File for RAFT Assistance
Senate, No. 957, “An Act relative to improve access to rental assistance programs.” Filed by Sen. Collins. Referred to the Joint Committee on Housing.
One of the biggest issues faced by rental property owners is that they rely on their tenants to apply and advocate for rental assistance payments. This bill would allow landlords to apply directly to the Commonwealth on their tenants’ behalf.
Rent Escrow Legislation
House, No.1883, “An Act to promote housing stability.” Filed by Rep. McMurtry.
House, No. 1664, “An Act relative to rent escrow.” Filed by DeCoste
House, No.1796, “An Act relative to rent escrow.” Filed by Jones
All referred to Joint Committee the on Judiciary
These bills, which SPOA has championed in past sessions which would require rent payments be held in escrow in the case of disputes before the courts.
Landlord’s Right-to-Counsel
Senate, No. 1077, “An Act maintaining parity in legal services for small property owners.” Filed by Sen. Durant.
The bill requires that if a landlord qualifies as a “qualified small business land owner” (QSBLO), under guidelines established by the Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation, both the landlord and tenant must receive legal services in applicable disputes.
by Jim Eisenberg
