The Massachusetts House of Representatives and Senate have wrapped up the first half of their two-year, 2023-2024 legislative session. So far, most of the work has been at the committee level, with only a handful of non-local legislation passing—the most prominent of which is the annual state budget. On the positive side, the budget allocates $1 billion in spending for housing programs, including $190 million for the Rental Assistance for Families in Transition, or “RAFT” program, which provides funds to compensate rental property owners when eligible tenants don’t pay. However, the budget also makes permanent certain ‘protections’ for tenants which were initially presented as temporary pandemic-era measures. Chief among these are rules that forbid evictions when a tenant has an application for rental assistance pending with the state. Abuse of this program is a real problem for rental housing providers and, because of this, SPOA joined other housing provider groups in opposing its revival. As of the writing of this update, the budget bill is currently on Governor Healey's desk and she has ten days to review it.Most of the other policy issues that SPOA is tracking, including rent control, right-of-first refusal, and right to counsel for tenants in eviction cases have been pushed to the autumn at the earliest. As these issues come before their respective committees for public hearings, SPOA will be testifying on behalf of rental property owners.by Jim Eisenberg
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total funding for housing programs in the new Massachusetts budget and how much is allocated to the RAFT program?
The Massachusetts state budget for 2023-2024 allocates $1 billion towards housing programs. A significant portion of this, $190 million, is dedicated to the RAFT program, which assists tenants with rent payments and helps compensate landlords.
What are some of the permanent tenant protections included in the new budget?
The budget makes permanent some tenant protections and rules that originated during the pandemic. A key measure prevents evictions if a tenant has a pending rental assistance application, which SPOA opposes due to potential program abuse by tenants.
What is the current status of the budget bill and what concerns have been raised?
While the budget passed, Governor Healey has ten days to review and potentially sign it. SPOA and other housing groups have voiced concerns about certain provisions, particularly those related to rental assistance and eviction, and are awaiting her decision.
What other legislative issues is SPOA tracking besides the budget?
SPOA is actively monitoring other critical housing policy issues such as rent control, right-of-first refusal, and a 'right to counsel' for tenants in eviction cases. These are expected to be addressed later in the legislative session.
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