Press Release  Governor Healey Commits to Signing Budget Provision Banning Renter-Paid Broker’s Fees

Boston — Governor Maura Healey today announced that the Fiscal Year 2026 budget that she will sign in the coming days will include her proposal to eliminate renter-paid broker’s fees. In January, Governor Healey filed an outside section in her FY26 budget proposal that would require the fee to be paid by whoever hires the broker, which is usually the landlord.

“The days of renters being forced to shell out upwards of $10,000 before they can even move into an apartment are over. I proposed banning renter-paid broker’s fees because the cost of housing is already way too high in Massachusetts without adding thousands of dollars in fees for a service you didn’t hire,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful that the Legislature agreed that the person who hires the broker should be responsible for paying them. While we continue to review the full budget, I am proud to say that the budget I sign will ban renter-paid broker’s fees. This is one of just many ways that our administration is working every day to lower the high cost of living in Massachusetts.”

“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 Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This was forcing young people look elsewhere to start their careers, making it harder for businesses to find the talent they need, and preventing families and seniors from moving into the homes that are right for them. I’m glad that Governor Healey’s proposal will soon be law, and that renting a home in Massachusetts will become more affordable for people across the state.”

“This will put money back in renter's pockets starting August first,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I'm proud to see this Senate-led initiative signed into law, as we work to lower costs and expand opportunities for residents. At the start of this session I said we would deliver on shifting the burden of broker's fees, and through our partnership with the House under Speaker Mariano and the Administration under Governor Healey, we got it done. I look forward to continuing to work on creative ways to address the state's housing crisis.”

“The extraordinarily high cost of housing is one of the most significant challenges that the Commonwealth currently faces. For renters in Massachusetts, it has meant making higher monthly payments than residents in almost any other state, a fact that many former residents often cite as the reason for moving out of the Commonwealth,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “That’s why the Legislature passed the largest investment in affordable housing production in the history of Massachusetts last year, and it’s why our FY26 budget eliminates brokers fees. Renters in Massachusetts should not be forced to pay thousands of dollars in fees for a service that they themselves never contracted in the first place. The House remains committed to ensuring that state government does all that it can to bring down the cost of housing here in Massachusetts, and we’re grateful to Governor Healey and our partners in the Senate for their shared commitment to that goal.”

Since taking office, Governor Healey has prioritized building more housing to lower costs across the state. Last year, she signed the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act, which is creating tens of thousands of new housing units, including authorizing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right. The FY 2026-2030 Capital Investment Plan that Governor Healey released this week invests $2.34 billion for housing over five years, which will support the creation of over 6,000 new units. Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has increased capital funding for housing by 71 percent. Additionally, Governor Healey recently announced 450 acres of state-owned sites are now available to be re-developed into over 3,500 new housing units, awarded $7.4 million to convert downtown Boston office buildings into nearly 200 new units, and launched the Momentum Fund to leverage low-cost capital with the expertise of private developers to accelerate the development of mixed-income housing. All told, there are approximately 10,000 new housing units in the pipeline because of Governor Healey’s initiatives.

“Renter-paid broker's fees have added to an up-front cost that can put moving into a new apartment out of reach for individuals and families even when they can afford the rent,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “By eliminating these fees from what renters need to pay, Governor Healey delivers big on her promise to lower costs for Massachusetts residents.”

Statements of Support

Jennifer Butler, Vice President of Government and Community Relations, Zillow: 
“We applaud Governor Healey and the Commonwealth legislators for their commitment to increasing housing affordability by passing broker fee reform in Massachusetts. This legislation will provide immediate financial relief to renters, who have faced extraordinary upfront costs — reaching as high as $12,900 on average in the Boston metro. We are proud to support this work and remain dedicated to addressing housing access and affordability, both in Massachusetts and across the country.”

Rachel Heller, CEO, Citizens' Housing & Planning Association (CHAPA)

"Removing this barrier to entry for many renters and making moving a more affordable process is a win for Massachusetts. In a market where securing a new lease can cost up to four months of rent — potentially thousands of dollars per person — access to stable housing is out of reach for many residents. Eliminating renter-paid broker fees will ensure people have real choice and opportunity when it comes to deciding their next home."

Todd S. Kaplan, Senior Attorney, Greater Boston Legal Services: 
“Families shouldn’t have to pay just to apply for housing. If the landlord hires the broker, the landlord should pay the fee. This law helps remove yet another barrier to affordable housing.”

Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director, Abundant Housing MA:

“We proudly support the Healey-Driscoll administration and the Legislature for making the right decision to eliminate renter-paid broker fees. Renters in Massachusetts have been burdened by excessive fees that put reasonably priced housing options out of reach. Removing this financial barrier will expand access to housing for young families, essential workers and members of our working class. At a time when affordability is pushing residents to consider leaving the state, we need every tool available to keep people rooted in Massachusetts.”

Sharon Scott-Chandler, President and CEO of ABCD:

“The elimination of broker fees would lift a huge financial burden from tenants who potentially need to pay as much as four-to five months rent up-front via renter-paid broker’s fees in addition to first, last and security in order to secure housing. These unnecessary fees discourage and prevent low-income residents who are already struggling, and often working multiple jobs, from finding and applying for affordable housing because of exorbitant fees.”   

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