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Bill

H 2022

An Act relative to prohibiting eviction without good cause

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Erika Uyterhoeven

Massachusetts bill prohibiting no-fault evictions and requiring landlords to prove good cause before removing tenants, strengthening housing stability protections.

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)
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Bill Summary · H 2022

Legislative bill overview

H 2022 would prohibit landlords in Massachusetts from evicting tenants without "good cause," establishing legal grounds that must be met before eviction proceedings can begin. The bill aims to provide greater housing stability by restricting no-fault evictions, where landlords can remove tenants without demonstrating lease violations or other substantive reasons.

Why is this important

Housing instability and eviction threaten public health, economic security, and educational outcomes for vulnerable populations. This policy directly addresses a growing concern in high-cost housing markets like Massachusetts, where rent increases and no-fault evictions have contributed to homelessness and displacement of long-term residents.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. tenant protections: Landlords argue the bill restricts their ability to manage properties, remove problematic tenants, or adjust occupancy; tenants' rights advocates counter that housing is a necessity requiring protections
  • Definition of "good cause": The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how narrowly or broadly "good cause" is defined—ambiguous language could lead to litigation and inconsistent enforcement
  • Economic impact on housing supply: Critics contend restrictions may discourage rental property investment and reduce available housing stock; supporters argue protections stabilize communities and reduce homelessness costs
  • Implementation burden: Courts and housing authorities would need resources to adjudicate increased disputes over cause determinations

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

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