Boston rent control moves forward

Boston Condos for Sale and Apartments for Rent

Boston rent control moves forward

Massachusetts rent control moves forward

The Attorney General’s Office of Massachusetts has certified the legality of a proposed rent control ballot initiative. Now, backers have until mid-November to submit about 75,000 signatures to the Massachusetts Secretary of State to put the issue before voters.

If approved by voters, the initiative would cap yearly rent increases at 5% or the annual increase in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.

Supporters of the initiative say it’s necessary due to the cost of housing in the state, which is among the highest in the country.

“Skyrocketing rents are displacing tenants, destabilizing communities and destroying historic neighborhoods across our state,” said Homes for All Massachusetts, one of the groups behind the initiative. “And unnecessary foreclosures are continuing to devastate families. Rent control and a state foreclosure prevention program are critical tools to prevent displacement and win housing justice.”

Opponents of the measure, meanwhile, argue rent control discourages the construction of new housing. “Our state’s focus needs to be on reducing barriers to housing creation so we can develop more homes across all price points, whether it be for young families looking to purchase their first home, or retirees looking to downsize in the community they have known for decades,” said Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. “While we respect the Attorney General’s decision on the legality of this question, the real estate industry will fight the proposed initiative every step of the way.”

In 1994, the last time rent control was on the ballot, Bay Staters voted against the measure. Additionally, a rent control measure proposed in 2023 by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu ultimately failed to reach the ballot.