As of August 1, 2025, a new Massachusetts law prohibits landlords from requiring tenants to pay broker fees for services the landlord hired the broker to perform. The party who hires the broker must pay the fee, meaning tenants only pay if they directly engage a broker to find housing.
Key Changes and Information:
- Prohibition: Landlords cannot pass on the cost of listing or showing an apartment to tenants as a “broker fee”.
- Application: The law applies to fees for services like marketing, screening tenants, and facilitating leases.
- Exception: If a renter specifically hires a broker to find them an apartment, the renter pays that fee
- Impact on Costs: This change reduces upfront moving costs, which previously often included first month’s rent, last month’s rent, security deposit, and a broker fee.
- Context: While this eliminates the mandatory fee for renters, some landlords may increase rent to cover the cost.
Should you be subjected to housing discrimination or an eviction in Massachusetts, contact the Law Offices of Renee Lazar at 978-844-4095 to schedule a FREE one hour free consultation.
boston.gov