MA H1483

Prohibits landlords from using consumer credit reports as a screening criterion for applicants or tenants who receive government rent subsidies, and bars landlords from requiring such tenants to answer questions about their credit history

Allows an exception where federal or state law requires credit report use, but landlords must obtain separate written consent each time, disclose the reason for accessing the report, and cannot pass credit report costs to the subsidized tenant

Requires landlords to provide at least 14 days written notice before taking adverse action based on a credit report, including a copy of the report and the specific information relied upon, and must offer a private opportunity to dispute the relevance

Prohibits adverse action while a tenant or applicant disputes the accuracy of a credit report with a consumer reporting agency until the dispute is resolved

Violations constitute unfair practices under Chapter 93A, with anti-retaliation protections for tenants who file complaints or participate in enforcement proceedings; effective 90 days after passage