Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey appeared to open the door Tuesday to eliminating brokers’ fees, which can add thousands of dollars to the cost of renting an apartment in what is already one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. country
“I think they should be abolished,” the Arlington Democrat said during an appearance on WGBH-FM’s “Boston Public Radio.” on tuesday
“I think they should go,” Healey continued. “I fully support this, I support taking action to make this happen.”
Massachusetts law does not allow landlords to charge new tenants anything more than the first and last month’s rent, a security deposit of up to one month’s rent, and the purchase of a lock and key.
By law, brokers are required to disclose in writing the amount of the fee, when and how it is to be paid, and by whom, when they first meet with a prospective tenant. Previously reported by MassLive.
Still, the greater Boston area remains one of the few markets in the country where brokers’ fees, typically the equivalent of one month’s rent, remain a reality for apartment seekers.
Last fall, New York City Hall made headlines across the country when he voted overwhelmingly to eliminate the fees landlords pay brokers to show them apartments.
This immediately led to speculation about whether Massachusetts, and Boston in particular, might follow suit.
In a statement last fall, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu also appeared open to a discussion.
“Boston is now the only major American city where tenants can be forced to pay a broker’s fee, often thousands of dollars,” Wu said at the time. according to GBH News. “As we face the housing crisis, we must examine every opportunity to make Boston more affordable and keep families in our city.”
Last month, Boston City Councilwoman Liz Breadon and Council President Ruthzee Louijeune introduced a proposal that would require any brokerage commission in the city to be paid by the party that contracted with a broker of real estate, effectively prohibiting landlords from passing these costs on to their tenants. The State News Service reported.
This bill would require legislative authorization. And if past is prologue, he might not be welcome on Beacon Hill.
Last year, the state’s influential real estate industry successfully upheld the ban on including fees in a historic $5.16 billion housing bond bill.
Speaking to WGBH on Tuesday, Healey framed the debate as one of affordability, tying it into what he said were his administration’s efforts to lower costs for state residents.
“I recognize that, you know, housing costs are high and we have to do everything we can to bring costs down,” Healey said.