Massachusetts H1532: An Act establishing a commission to study the impact of shifting residential broker fees from tenants to landlords

What the bill says

From the introduced text, February 27, 2025:

SECTION 1. Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, there shall be a special commission to study and provide recommendations on the potential economic and social impacts of shifting the responsibility of paying real estate broker fees from tenants to landlords in residential leasing transactions within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The commission shall investigate and document the following: (1) the economic burden on landlords and tenants resulting from such a policy change; (2) the effects on the rental housing market, including affordability, availability, and stability; (3) the impacts on real estate brokerage practices and fees; (4) comparisons with jurisdictions that have implemented similar policies; and (5) any anticipated legal, regulatory, or practical challenges. SECTION 2. The commission shall consist of the secretary of housing and livable communities, or a designee, who shall serve as chair; member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives; member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate; member of the house of representatives appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives; member of the senate appointed by the minority leader of the senate; members appointed by the governor, of whom shall represent the Massachusetts Association of Realtors, and 1 of whom shall represent a tenant advocacy organization; and one economist with expertise …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Bradley Jones (R) · primary sponsor
• Kimberly Ferguson (R, 1st Worcester)
• Paul Frost (R, 7th Worcester)
• Todd Smola (R, 1st Hampden)
• David Muradian (R)

Latest actions

1. April 13, 2026: Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27)
2. November 7, 2025: Hearing scheduled for 11/19/2025 from 11:00 AM-05:00 PM in Gardner Auditorium
3. February 27, 2025: Senate concurred
4. February 27, 2025: Referred to the committee on Housing
5. : Reported by committee to Clerk’s Office for processing, will accompany a study order

Common questions

What is H1532?

H1532 is a bill in the Massachusetts Legislature (194th General Court): An Act establishing a commission to study the impact of shifting residential broker fees from tenants to landlords.

What is the status of H1532?

Failed as of April 13, 2026. Latest action: Accompanied a study order, see H5352 (under House Rule 27) (April 13, 2026).

Who sponsored H1532?

Bradley Jones (R), with 4 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for H1532?

On the Massachusetts Legislature website: https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1532