Massachusetts bill H1507 limits annual rent increases and establishes a rental arbitrator to resolve disputes.

Massachusetts bill H1507 introduces a cap on annual rent increases for residential tenants, limiting them to no more than 5 percent plus the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, or 10 percent, whichever is lower. The bill creates a rental arbitrator within the office of the attorney general to handle complaints from both landlords and tenants regarding rent increases. The arbitrator must issue a determination within 90 days of receiving a complaint. Landlords who violate the rent increase restrictions must return overpayments to tenants and face fines.

Massachusetts bill H1507 limits annual rent increases and establishes a rental arbitrator to resolve disputes.

Massachusetts bill H1507 introduces a cap on annual rent increases for residential tenants, limiting them to no more than 5 percent plus the Chained Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, or 10 percent, whichever is lower. The bill creates a rental arbitrator within the office of the attorney general to handle complaints from both landlords and tenants regarding rent increases. The arbitrator must issue a determination within 90 days of receiving a complaint. Landlords who violate the rent increase restrictions must return overpayments to tenants and face fines.