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Proposal aims to change who pays broker fees in Massachusetts
- On May 20, 2025, more than 100 individuals gathered at Boston City Hall to campaign for lower housing costs and changes to rent policies.
- This protest came after lawmakers incorporated a provision into the $61 billion budget requiring that broker fees be paid by whoever initially engages the broker, typically the landlord.
- Governor Maura Healey proposed banning renter-paid broker fees statewide as part of this budget, aiming to reduce upfront rental costs that can reach $10,000 or more.
- Advocates called the policy a long-overdue win that will put money back in renters' pockets starting August 1, while some landlords and real estate leaders expressed concerns about shifting costs.
- If signed, the new rule will effectively end renters paying broker fees directly but calls remain for broader efforts to address housing affordability and ensure enforcement.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Healey: "I'm getting rid of broker's fees for renters"
BOSTON (SHNS) - As Gov. Maura Healey prepared to roll out her annual budget in January, she pre-announced plans to include a measure outlawing renter-paid broker's fees. On Wednesday, she announced before taking final action on the $61 billion state budget she received Monday that she'll agree to a similar measure passed by lawmakers. The governor has until Thursday, July 10 to sign the budget and release any vetoes or amendments. "BIG NEWS: I’…
Healey: ‘I'm getting rid of broker's fees for renters'
As Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey prepared to roll out her annual budget in January, she pre-announced plans to include a measure outlawing renter-paid broker’s fees. On Wednesday, she announced before taking final action on the $61 billion state budget she received Monday that she’ll agree to a similar measure passed by lawmakers. The governor has until Thursday, July 10 to sign the budget and release any vetoes or amendments. “BIG NEWS: I’m g…
Gov. Maura Healey commits to approving brokers’ fee reforms included in state budget
Gov. Maura Healey said she plans to sign the fiscal year 2026 state budget “in the coming days,” and will leave intact a provision that requires residential brokers’ fees to be covered by the party that enlists those services. The first-term Democrat’s announcement virtually guarantees that Massachusetts will soon mandate licensed brokers or salespeople to only contract with a prospective tenant to find a rental property or a landlord to find a …
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