H1796

Relative to rent escrow

Introduced·2/27/25
Introduced Text

Establishes procedures for rent escrow accounts in Massachusetts, allowing tenants to withhold rent if conditions are uninhabitable.

The bill modifies Chapter 167D of the General Laws to establish procedures for rent escrow accounts in Massachusetts. It allows tenants to withhold rent if the premises are uninhabitable due to violations of health or safety standards. The escrow account must be controlled by an attorney or maintained by the court. The landlord must remedy the conditions within 15 days of written notice from the tenant. The bank may not require signatures or identity verification to create the account until a payment is requested.

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

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Where it stands

Current
In committee
Next
Committee decision

Sponsors

0
1
R
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Calendar

Apr 22, 2025

1:00 PM

Joint Committee on The Judiciary Hearing

History

Mar 26

House

Accompanied a study order, see H5281 (under House Rule 27)

Oct 14, 2025

Joint

Hearing scheduled for 04/22/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in A-2

Oct 14, 2025

House

Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order