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H 1553

An Act to regulate junk fees in rental housing

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Christine Barber and 9 co-sponsors

Bill H 1553 limits rental fees in Massachusetts, protecting tenants from excessive charges, ensuring transparency, and allowing legal recourse for violations.

Accompanied a new draft, see H5301
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · H 1553

Summary of Bill H 1553: An Act to Regulate Junk Fees in Rental Housing

Purpose and Intent

Bill H 1553 aims to regulate and eliminate "junk fees" associated with rental housing in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The legislation seeks to protect tenants from excessive and non-transparent fees that landlords and property managers may impose, ensuring that rental agreements are fair and equitable.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant amendments to Section 15B of Chapter 186 of the General Laws, which governs rental agreements. The main provisions include:

  1. Limitations on Fees:

    • At the start of a tenancy, landlords may only charge:
      • Rent for the first full month of occupancy.
      • Rent for the last full month of occupancy (calculated at the same rate as the first month) or a security deposit equal to the first month's rent.
      • The cost for a key and lock installation.

  2. Penalties for Late Payments:

    • A penalty for late rent payments cannot exceed $50 or 5% of the tenant’s monthly rent, whichever is less, and can only be imposed once for each late payment.

  3. Prohibition of Additional Fees:

    • Landlords cannot charge fees for:
      • Holding over after a lease expiration.
      • Lease renewals or substitutions of parties.
      • Additional costs beyond the agreed rent, such as amenity fees or insurance, unless these are optional and agreed upon in writing by the tenant.

  4. Payment Methods:

    • Tenants cannot be required to use electronic payment systems exclusively and cannot be charged fees for opting out of such systems.

  5. Legal Protections:

    • Tenants can claim damages amounting to three times the excess fees charged, along with court costs and attorney’s fees if landlords violate these provisions.

  6. Attorney’s Fees:

    • Landlords can only charge tenants for attorney’s fees if they have obtained a judgment in their favor and the fees are deemed reasonable by the court.

Affected Parties

This bill primarily affects:
- Tenants: Provides protections against excessive fees and ensures transparency in rental agreements.
- Landlords and Property Managers: Imposes restrictions on the fees they can charge and outlines legal consequences for non-compliance.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: February 27, 2025.
  • Current Status: The bill has been referred to the Housing Committee and is scheduled for a hearing on November 19, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium.

Conclusion

Bill H 1553 represents a significant step towards enhancing tenant protections in Massachusetts by regulating junk fees in rental housing. By establishing clear guidelines on permissible charges and ensuring legal recourse for tenants, the bill aims to foster a fairer rental market.

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

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