MA S22

Authorizes Somerville to enact rent control by ordinance, capping annual rent increases at the Consumer Price Index plus 2%, with a maximum of 5% per year

Exempts owner-occupied properties with 3 or fewer units, new construction for 15 years from certificate of occupancy, public housing, units where tenants share facilities with owners, hospitals/religious facilities/elder care, hotels/motels, and college dormitories

Establishes just cause eviction protections citywide, requiring landlords to demonstrate valid grounds such as nonpayment of rent, lease violations, property damage, criminal activity, owner move-in, or conversion to condo/non-residential use

Requires the city to establish an administrator or board to govern rent regulation and allows the city to set tenant notification, rental registration, and relocation payment requirements

Takes effect immediately upon the Governor's signature; has received local approval from Somerville's mayor and city council