In late June, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court blocked a proposed statewide rent control initiative from appearing on the November general election ballot, ruling that it violated Article 48 of the Massachusetts Constitution. The court found that the measure’s exemption for housing operated by religious institutions improperly related to religion, making it ineligible for placement before voters.
The proposed initiative would have established statewide rent stabilization, capping annual rent increases at the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index, with the limits remaining in effect even when tenants changed. Had it passed, Massachusetts would have joined California, Oregon, and Washington as the only states with statewide rent control.
The measure included several exemptions, including owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units, publicly regulated housing, certain short-term rentals, and newly constructed housing during its first 10 years. The exemption for housing operated exclusively for educational, religious, or nonprofit purposes ultimately led to the court’s decision.
Supporters had gathered enough signatures to qualify the proposal after lawmakers declined to act on it. However, prominent state leaders, including Governor Maura Healey, opposed the measure. Industry groups expect rent control advocates to return with a revised proposal for the 2028 ballot, while landlord organizations have pledged to continue opposing statewide rent control efforts.
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