BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey Monday announced that her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal will include an outside section to eliminate renter-paid broker fees. Currently, most renters in the state are required by default to cover the cost of a broker fee when they rent an apartment, which can be equivalent to a full month of rent. Governor Healey’s proposal will require the fee to be paid by whoever hires the broker, which is usually the landlord.
“Broker fees are an unfair cost for renters, and they should not be on the hook to pay for someone they didn’t hire,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re proud to be proposing this change that will save renters thousands of dollars – making it possible for more young people, seniors and families to stay in Massachusetts, help businesses attract the best talent, and put more money back in people’s pockets for groceries, health care, and other needs. We’re grateful for the Legislature’s consideration of this proposal and look forward to continuing to work together to make housing more affordable across our state.”
“Making housing more affordable has been our top priority from day one. Through our Affordable Homes Act and the MBTA Communities Law, we’re jumpstarting housing production across the state, which will lower costs,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “But it’s much harder for people to move into these new homes when they have to pay a whole extra month of rent to a broker that they didn’t even hire. Eliminating renter-paid broker’s fees will make the rental process fairer and less burdensome – because moving is already hard enough!”…