Boston Globe: Gov Baker "signs economic and housing package, but vetoes some tenant protections"

"Governor Charlie Baker on Thursday signed a nearly $627 million economic development bill, but rejected a handful of measures in the sprawling package, including two designed to further protect tenants.

Baker’s signature will put in motion hundreds of millions of state borrowing over the next five years, which officials say will help jumpstart a state economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package includes more than $100 million in bonding authority to help small businesses, 15 percent caps on third-party delivery fees imposed by the likes of Grubhub and DoorDash, and legislation Baker has pushed for years to ease housing-related zoning changes.

The language, known as Housing Choice, will reduce the voting threshold from a two-thirds majority to a simple majority needed to pass a range of land-use issues in cities and towns. Baker has said the change will help spur much needed housing throughout the state."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)

https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/01/15/metro/baker-signs-economic-housing-package-vetoes-some-tenant-protections/

Direct link to the Legislation  https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/H5250

CommonWealth Magazine article

https://commonwealthmagazine.org/economy/baker-signs-626-million-economic-development-bill/

MA Gov: Know Your Rights as a Tenant

The MA Gov blog ran a two part series for renters recently. Citing a stat from the Census, 37% of MA live in rental units. Excerpts from each of the two parts are shared here. 

Follow the links for additional details on "Knowing Your Rights as a Tenant"

Part 1 - before you move in:

According to the United States Census Bureau (USCB), as of 2013, more than 37 percent of Massachusetts homes were occupied by renters. 

Searching for a rental home, signing a lease, and meeting new neighbors can be exciting, but it’s also important that you keep your rights as a tenant in mind. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) provide information on what you should expect from your landlord before renting a home in Massachusetts.

Continue with Part 1 here

http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/know-your-rights-as-a-tenant-part-1-before-you-move-in/

image from Part 1 of  Know Your Rights as a Tenant

Part 2 - after you move in

Once you’ve learned your rights as a tenant prior to signing your lease, it’s time to figure out what happens after you move in. The Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation (OCABR) and the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) share information about your rights once you have signed the lease and begun your tenancy.

Continue with Part 2 here

http://blog.mass.gov/blog/living-in-massachusetts/know-your-rights-as-a-tenant-part-2-after-you-move-in/