H1553

To regulate junk fees in rental housing

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Massachusetts H1553 regulates junk fees in rental housing by prohibiting certain fees and limiting others.

Massachusetts H1553 amends the General Laws to regulate junk fees in rental housing. It prohibits owners, lessors, and agents from requiring tenants to pay fees for holding over after a lease term, renewing a lease, or using electronic billing and payment systems. It limits late fees to 5% of the monthly rent or $50, whichever is less. It also prohibits requiring tenants to pay attorney fees unless a judgment has been obtained and appeal rights exhausted. Violations allow tenants to recover triple the amount charged plus court costs and attorney fees.

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  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

DD
2
0
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Nov 19, 2025

11:00 AM

Joint Committee on Housing Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a new draft, see H5301

Jan 15

House

Reporting date extended to Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Nov 7, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 11/19/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium