Loading chat...

MA H1664

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

2/27/2025

Primary Sponsor

David DeCoste

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Amends Chapter 239, Section 8A of the General Laws to require tenants who withhold rent due to habitability issues to deposit funds into escrow when a trial date is continued
  • Escrow deposits must equal the monthly use and occupancy amount or the amount per the rental agreement frequency, including any amounts withheld since the tenant began withholding rent
  • Deposits calculated based on fair market value must be held by the court clerk, plaintiff's attorney, or other secure depository until final case disposition
  • Escrowed funds are prioritized for property repairs upon final disposition of the summary process action
  • Tenants who fail to comply with escrow deposit orders face expedited scheduling of a bench trial at the earliest available date

Legislative Description

Relative to rent escrow

Last Action

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

10/14/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary2/27/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available