The Massachusetts Legislature killed Rent Control in the state almost 30 years ago, but the City of Boston is taking steps to bring it back. The Boston City Council has approved a home rule measure, proposed by Mayor Michelle Wu, that would cap annual rent increases at 10 percent or 6 percent plus the change in the consumer price index, whichever is lower. The measure, affecting an estimated 185,000 dwellings in the city, would exempt owner-occupied properties with six units or fewer along with any new multi-family properties during the first 15 years after they receive a certificate of occupancy.

Offering protections for both tenants and landlords, the plan would allow landlords to reset rents at market rates when a tenant leaves, but would allow evictions only for ‘just causes’ and would establish a board to which tenants could appeal evictions and bring other complaints before going to Housing Court.

Although much has changed in the city – and in the housing market – since rent control was abolished statewide in 1994, the arguments for and against the policy are the same. Advocates say controls are needed to protect tenants from crushing rent hikes that make housing unaffordable for them. Opponents argue that artificial limits on rents make it impossible for landlords to maintain their properties and discourage investment in much-needed rental housing.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey is expected to sign Boston’s rent control petition if it wins approval in the state Legislature, but its prospects there are unclear.

We will continue to follow this issue closely.

Contact Dillon Brown for questions on the Boston rental control revival rule pending approval.

BOSTON MOVES TO REVIVE RENT CONTROL

PROTECTING ASSOCIATION FUNDS

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