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MA H5008

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/5/2026

Primary Sponsor

Unknown

Origin

House of Representatives

194th General Court

AI Summary

  • Annual rent increases for covered residential units capped at the Consumer Price Index increase or 5%, whichever is lower, in any 12-month period
  • Rent cap applies regardless of tenant turnover, using the January 31, 2026 rent as the base rate
  • Exemptions include: owner-occupied buildings with 4 or fewer units, publicly regulated housing, short-term rentals under 14 days, educational/religious/nonprofit facilities, and new construction for 10 years after certificate of occupancy
  • Violations constitute unfair and deceptive acts under Chapter 93A, allowing tenants to pursue remedies and the Attorney General to seek restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief
  • Initiative petition filed with 88,132 signatures and certified by Attorney General on September 3, 2025

Legislative Description

To protect tenants by limiting rent increases

Last Action

Hearing scheduled for 03/17/2026 from 02:00 PM-04:30 PM in A-1

3/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Special Joint Committee on Initiative Petitions2/5/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available