Call to Action: Weigh In About Boston's Climate Action Plan
by Allison Drescher
We call your attention to the recent City of Boston initiative related to Mayor Wu’s 2030 Climate Action Plan. We, too, have a Call to Action – please weigh in on the survey link provided below.
In the 60+ page draft, Mayor Wu demands net-neutrality by 2030, regardless of the cost.
We all support climate change-based precautions and hope to meaningfully contribute. However, what is realistic until the electrical grid expands and further green energy technology is realized? We cannot achieve the impossible. Will our apartments be potentially penalized for lack of compliance with today’s energy standards, despite many being decades old?
The Climate Action Plan proposes the following changes for existing housing units:
Proposes a new ‘Green Label” system to score buildings and apartment units on climate compliance
Landlords could face penalties for non-compliant units
Creates The Boston Climate Council
Initiates the Office of Green Infrastructure
Proposes the elimination of gas stoves
The link to the Climate Action Plan is here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/environment/boston-climate-action
Please take the time to register your feedback by taking the survey here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfAAUY19gq6UT0u0kh6Ffghg1IzlKqz1jMxj-w1VOdHeTJYEg/viewform
A formal comment period will be brought forward; however, it is important to note your objection to this plan immediately with the online survey. Priorities like Boston’s Climate Action Plan start with voluntary participation, then quickly may become mandatory.
An action plan like this could threaten the financial stability of Boston housing providers who are already struggling with demands for rent control, rising costs on every operational level, and the daily difficulties we are facing with across-the-board inflation and high interest rates.
When the City of Boston is facing tax revenue challenges, why are new compliance departments being created to energy score apartment units? Boston is a historic city – new construction is exempted for ten years. It is existing housing that will pay the price for draconian compliance - older buildings which are unable to compete with energy scoring.
That’s the proposal on the drawing board. Please see this article from MASS Live: https://www.massdailynews.com/posts/124.
Please register your thoughts with the online survey.
We will keep our membership informed about the City of Boston’s Climate Action Plan.
New “Junk Fee” Regulations Take Effect on September 2
by Lukas Krolak
On September 2, 2025, Massachusetts’ new “junk fee” regulations (940 CMR 38.00) go into effect. These rules, issued by Attorney General Andrea Campbell, are designed to eliminate hidden charges and make costs more transparent for consumers, and they have direct implications for landlords.
What Landlords Must Do
Advertise the total monthly cost: Rental listings must show the full monthly payment a tenant is required to make, inclusive of all mandatory charges. No surprises after a tenant applies.
Accurately describe any fees: If you charge something beyond rent, such as a lock-change fee, it must be clearly labeled, reflect actual costs, and be disclosed upfront.
Optional fees must be clear: Any fee that a tenant can avoid must come with clear instructions on how to opt out. Hidden “default” charges are prohibited.
Recurring charges and renewals: Automatic lease rollovers and other “negative option” features are covered. This applies to month-to-month rentals, as well as fixed-term leases that automatically convert to month-to-month at the end of the lease. In both cases, landlords must provide tenants with advance written notice of renewal dates, charges, and cancellation procedures.
Water and sewer charges: The regulations confirm landlords may continue to pass along separately-metered water and sewer costs, provided this is done in compliance with existing state law.
Upfront move-in costs: In compliance with existing state law, landlords may require first month’s rent, last month’s rent, and one month’s security deposit, and these amounts must be disclosed up front. However, under the recently enacted broker fee law, landlords can no longer pass a broker’s fee on to tenants when the broker was hired by the landlord.
Failure to comply can be treated as an unfair or deceptive practice under Chapter 93A, exposing landlords to legal action from the Attorney General or tenants.
Next Steps
Audit your leases and advertising to make sure all costs are disclosed upfront.
Review renewal language to ensure notices are sent on time for month-to-month and auto-converting leases.
Train staff and brokers on compliance before the September 2 deadline.
For the Attorney General’s full guidance, visit the AGO’s Junk Fee Regulations Advisory
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should consult with their own attorney regarding compliance with Massachusetts law.
by Lukas Krolak
SPOA Releases Episode 18 of Housing Policy Series with "Will Onuoha City Council Forum"
by Amir Shahsavari
The Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) has released Episode 18 of SPOA Housing Policy Series, which is called "Will Onuoha City Council Forum."
We speak with Mr. Will Onuoha, who is running for Boston City Council At-Large. Mr. Onuoha is a housing professional with extensive experience working in different city departments under different Boston mayors.
The conversation centers on Mr. Onuoha's views about rent control, welfare reform, proposed lease renewal restrictions, and private-public partnerships to stimulate job growth and to increase the supply of housing to bring down rent costs for tenants and operating costs for rental property owners. We discuss the need for government to communicate with the business community for expertise and advice, while thinking outside the box to solve problems, rather than reverting to failed policies driven by radical ideology, political control, and the politics of resentment. We further discuss SPOA's plan to help tenants achieve homeownership, while rewarding rental property owners for their contributions.
Mr. Onuoha answers questions from SPOA members. The panel includes Demetrios Salpoglou (CEO, Boston Pads) and Tony Lopes (Principal, M7 Real Estate Group).
SPOA Vice President, Amir Shahsavari, moderates the discussion.
As an organization, the Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) does not endorse political candidates. Therefore, this conversation is not an endorsement of Mr. Onuoha's candidacy by SPOA. However, SPOA extends an open invitation to all candidates to share their views about housing with us, whether they are running for city council or another office. We bring this information to you for educational purposes, but it is up to you, the voters, to determine the merits of the candidates' positions.
You can see the video in the link below.
by Amir Shahsavari
Assessing Small Multifamily Markets: The Best Places to Buy Small Multifamily Buildings
by Chris Lehman and Seth Priebatsch
