MA H1477

Repeals Massachusetts' ban on rent control and allows cities and towns to adopt local rent stabilization ordinances for multi-family housing, with exemptions for owner-occupied buildings with 3 or fewer units and properties less than 15 years old

Authorizes municipalities to enact "just cause eviction" protections requiring landlords to have specific legal grounds (nonpayment, lease violations, nuisance, illegal use, or owner move-in) before evicting tenants

Permits local regulation of condominium conversions, including permit requirements, tenant notification, relocation costs, and eviction controls related to conversions

Allows municipalities to regulate tenant deposits, move-in fees, and broker's fees, including options for tenants to pay security deposits and last month's rent in installments over 4-6 months

Establishes penalties including fines of at least $5,000 for unlawful evictions and $1,000 plus attorney fees for deposit regulation violations, with enforcement through housing court