Massachusetts, September 7, 2025
News Summary
A citizen-led effort is underway in Massachusetts to restore rent control after the Attorney General certified a ballot initiative. Supported by Homes for All Massachusetts, the measure aims to limit annual rent increases to 5% or the annual CPI inflation rate, whichever is lower. The proposal comes amid rising housing costs and aims to prevent displacement of low- and moderate-income residents. Proponents are now tasked with collecting sufficient signatures for the initiative to qualify for a statewide vote.
Boston — A citizen-led effort to restore rent control in Massachusetts cleared an initial legal hurdle when the state Attorney General certified a ballot initiative proposal, setting the stage for a potential statewide vote next year if sponsors gather enough valid signatures. The measure, backed by the housing advocacy group Homes for All Massachusetts, would limit annual rent increases to 5 percent or the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, whichever is lower.
What was certified and what comes next
The Attorney General recently certified the rent control proposal along with 43 other initiatives submitted to the office. Certification allows proponents to begin the next step in the process: collecting the required number of valid voter signatures to qualify the measure for the ballot. Supporters must meet state deadlines and signature thresholds for a citizen-initiated ballot question to appear on next year’s ballot.
Key provisions of the proposed measure
- Cap on annual rent increases: 5 percent or the CPI annual inflation rate, whichever is lower.
- Scope: The proposal is framed as a statewide limit on rent hikes as an anti-displacement tool while other housing supply measures continue to be pursued.
Recent context and evidence of rising rents
Rising housing costs are central to the campaign. A July 2023 report cited by advocates found that the median gross rent for a two-bedroom apartment in Massachusetts rose from $1,381 in 2018 to $1,882 in 2023. Advocates point to such increases as evidence that stronger renter protections are needed to prevent displacement of low- and moderate-income residents.
Political responses and past efforts
Support for rent control has surfaced intermittently in Massachusetts politics. In Boston, the mayor previously advanced local proposals seeking authority to limit rent increases, including a home rule petition that would have allowed a 10 percent cap on annual increases. That petition did not move forward in the state Legislature, in part because some lawmakers expressed concern that strict rent caps could discourage the development of new housing supply.
City-level anti-displacement plans being pursued by municipal leaders have generally focused on preserving affordable housing and strengthening tenant protections for smaller buildings rather than implementing broad rent control systems.
Opposition and economic concerns
Property owners and business groups have voiced opposition to rent control proposals. Their main arguments include the risk that rent caps will reduce investment in housing, slow new construction, and ultimately worsen rental shortages. These stakeholders contend that supply-side solutions and incentives for development are preferable for addressing affordability over the long term.
History and previous campaigns
Massachusetts previously banned rent control statewide in 1994 after a statewide ballot question repealed local rent regulation, even as many city residents in places such as Boston, Brookline, and Cambridge supported such controls. A citizen-led campaign in 2023 sought to place a rent control measure on the ballot but failed to collect enough valid signatures to qualify.
The current push reflects renewed concern about housing affordability. Anecdotal accounts from renters who faced large increases after property sales have been cited by supporters as examples of displacement pressure on low-income households. At the same time, surveys and trend data indicate that housing costs are prompting some young professionals and other residents to consider leaving Massachusetts in search of more affordable options.
Practical outlook and next steps
If proponents gather the required signatures by the deadline, the measure would undergo further verification and could appear on next year’s ballot. Opponents are likely to mount organized campaigns that focus on economic impacts and effects on housing supply. Lawmakers and advocates on both sides will likely continue to debate complementary policy options, including increased housing production, rental assistance programs, and tenant protection measures.
Background: why this matters
Supporters describe rent control as an immediate anti-displacement tool to stabilize communities while broader housing development and affordability strategies are pursued. Opponents worry about the long-term market effects. The debate taps into wider concerns about regional population shifts, affordability pressures, and the balance between tenant protections and incentives for housing investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the proposed rent control measure do?
The proposal would limit annual rent increases to 5 percent or the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, whichever is lower, across the state if the measure qualifies for the ballot and is approved by voters.
Who submitted the ballot initiative?
The initiative was submitted by the advocacy group Homes for All Massachusetts and was certified by the state Attorney General, allowing signature collection to begin.
What are the next steps for the campaign?
After certification, sponsors must collect the required number of valid voter signatures by state deadlines. If enough signatures are verified, the measure would be placed on the ballot for a public vote.
How does this proposal relate to previous rent control efforts?
Rent control was effectively banned statewide in 1994. A 2023 attempt to place a rent control measure on the ballot failed to gather enough signatures. This current proposal represents a renewed effort following rising rents in recent years.
What are the main arguments for and against the measure?
Supporters view rent limits as a tool to prevent displacement and stabilize communities. Opponents warn that caps could reduce investment in rental housing, hinder new construction, and lead to shortages.
Quick Reference Table
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed annual rent increase cap | 5% or annual CPI inflation rate, whichever is lower |
| Certified by | Massachusetts Attorney General (initiative among 44 certified) |
| Recent median two-bedroom rent (2018 vs 2023) | $1,381 (2018) → $1,882 (2023) according to July 2023 report |
| Previous statewide action on rent control | 1994 statewide ballot repealed local rent control |
| 2023 ballot effort | Failed to collect sufficient valid signatures |
| Key stakeholders | Homes for All Massachusetts (pro), property owner groups and Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (con), municipal leaders pursuing alternate housing policies |
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Additional Resources
- Boston Globe: Boston Rent Control
- Axios: Massachusetts Rent Control Ballot
- Boston.com: Proposed Mass Ballot Questions
- MassLive: Rent Control is a Terrible Idea
- Wikipedia: Rent Control
Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
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