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Bill

HD 4021

An Act protecting tenants from retaliation and coercion

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Manny Cruz and 2 co-sponsors

Massachusetts bill prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants reporting code violations or exercising legal rights, strengthening tenant protections and enforcement penalties.

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Bill Summary · HD 4021

Legislative bill overview

HD 4021 strengthens protections for tenants by prohibiting landlords from retaliating against or coercing tenants who exercise their legal rights, such as reporting housing code violations, requesting repairs, or organizing with other tenants. The bill expands existing retaliation protections and clarifies what constitutes illegal coercion, with penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Housing retaliation is a significant barrier to tenants reporting unsafe or uninhabitable conditions, as they fear eviction or rent increases. Strengthening these protections encourages tenants to hold landlords accountable for code compliance and creates a more balanced landlord-tenant relationship. Without clear enforcement mechanisms, vulnerable tenants often remain silent about serious habitability issues.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord concerns about enforcement costs: Landlords may argue the bill increases their liability exposure and creates ambiguity about which tenant actions are "protected," potentially discouraging property investment or maintenance.
  • Definition and scope of "coercion": The bill's language around what constitutes illegal coercion may be contested—landlords might claim legitimate business decisions (like selective non-renewal) get mislabeled as retaliation.
  • Evidentiary burden: Determining whether an eviction or lease non-renewal was retaliatory versus based on legitimate grounds could create litigation disputes and make enforcement complex.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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