Media Covers SPOA's Testimony at March 17 Rent Control Hearing
By Allen Hebert
The Small Property Owners Association (SPOA) provided robust and persuasive testimony against the rent control ballot initiative at the Massachusetts State House on March 17, 2026.
All the members of the panel, which included representatives from SPOA, Masslandlords, local government, the building trades, and the business community, were excellent. We further thank the other SPOA members who attended the hearing in person to deliver testimony during the public portion, as well as those who sent in written testimony by March 21.
In the links below, you will find a video featuring the testimony of SPOA Vice President Tony Lopes, in addition to various news articles that covered the event, including WWLP-22News, GBH News, the Boston Real Estate Times, and the Boston Herald.
We also thank SPOA President Amir Shahsavari for his leadership on this issue in conjunction with Housing for Massachusetts Chair Conor Yunits and other leaders in the coalition.
What happened at the March 17 rent control hearing?
On March 17, 2026, SPOA and other coalition members testified at the Massachusetts State House against the rent control ballot initiative.
Who testified against the rent control ballot initiative?
The panel included representatives from SPOA, MassLandlords, local government, the building trades, and the business community. SPOA members also testified during the public portion of the hearing and submitted written testimony.
Where can I watch SPOA’s rent control testimony?
The article includes a video featuring testimony from SPOA Vice President Tony Lopes at the March 17 rent control hearing.
Which media outlets covered the March 17 rent control hearing?
Media coverage of the hearing included WWLP-22News, GBH News, Boston Real Estate Times, and the Boston Herald.
Why did SPOA testify against rent control?
SPOA testified against rent control because the organization believes the ballot initiative would harm small property owners, reduce housing investment, and create worse outcomes for Massachusetts renters and communities.
