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HD 4242

An Act relative to the Maggie Hubbard rental safety act

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Julian Cyr and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes statewide rental property safety standards, landlord licensing, and inspections to protect Massachusetts tenants from substandard housing conditions.

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Bill Summary · HD 4242

Legislative bill overview

HD 4242, the Maggie Hubbard Rental Safety Act, establishes new safety standards and accountability measures for rental properties in Massachusetts. The bill creates inspection requirements, landlord licensing provisions, and enforcement mechanisms to address substandard housing conditions that endanger tenants. Named after a tenant whose safety concerns went unaddressed, the legislation aims to improve oversight of the rental market.

Why is this important

Rental housing quality directly affects tenant health, safety, and wellbeing, yet enforcement of existing codes often remains inconsistent across municipalities. The bill addresses gaps in current protections by creating more uniform, statewide standards and consequences for non-compliance. This affects hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts renters living in properties where maintenance and safety issues may currently go unchecked.

Potential points of contention

  • Landlord compliance costs: New inspection and licensing requirements will increase operational expenses, potentially passed to tenants through rent increases
  • Local vs. state authority: Centralizing rental oversight may conflict with municipal home rule and existing local inspection systems
  • Enforcement capacity: Implementation requires significant funding for state inspectors and administrative infrastructure; unclear how this will be financed

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

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