By Bob Katzen
A new law that took effect on August 1 requires landlords, instead of renters, to cover the cost of broker fees unless a renter is the one to hire the broker first. The law was part of the $60.9 billion fiscal 2026 that was signed by Gov. Maura Healey in July.
“This is about saving you money, thousands of dollars you can now spend on whatever you need or put it away for the future,” said Healey. “And this is just one way I’m lowering costs and getting after high housing prices.”
“Between first and last month’s rent, a security deposit and a broker’s fee — moving to a new apartment was breaking the bank for far too many Massachusetts residents,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll.
What a liar, the landlords will charge more rent and if Healey weren’t so aloof, she’d try to lower the real estates taxes, water bills, insurance and other bills to own a building and those costs rise a lot more than the rents.