The debate over whether apartment renters in Boston should be required to pay broker fees when moving into a new home is heating up, with City Councilors Enrique Pepén and Henry Santana leading the charge for change. In a hearing order filed ahead of the upcoming council meeting, they are questioning whether landlords should be responsible for covering the cost of broker fees when they are the ones hiring the broker. This move mirrors efforts by city councilors in Cambridge and Somerville to address the issue in their respective cities.
Massachusetts law currently prohibits landlords from charging new tenants more than the first and last month’s rent, a security deposit, and the cost of a lock and key. However, it is common practice in the Boston area for renters to also pay broker fees for services provided by the landlord’s broker during the rental application process. Last month, the New York City Council passed legislation to prohibit tenants from paying for brokers they did not hire, prompting similar proposals in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville.
City Councilor Pepén emphasized the potential benefits of implementing a regional ban on renter-paid broker fees, stating that the three cities have similar housing markets. If successful, any such law may require state legislative approval to go into effect. The Boston City Council is set to discuss the issue at their upcoming meeting on December 4th.
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Photo credit www.masslive.com
