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ballot measure could cap rent increases across Massachusetts, but many hurdles remain. Homes for All Massachusetts, a coalition of housing advocacy organizations, is spearheading a campaign to place the initiative on the 2024 ballot.

    If approved by voters, annual rent increases would be tied to cost-of-living increases, with a hard annual cap of 5%. Owner-occupied buildings with four or fewer units and newly constructed buildings during their first 10 years of existence would be exempt. Rent control was banned statewide in 1994, but advocates have been pushing for its reinstatement.

    The initiative will face opposition from the powerful real estate industry, which argues that rent control discourages landlords from upgrading properties and makes housing less available. However, advocates point to research showing that more than 50% of renters in the Boston area are "cost-burdened," with over 27% being "severely cost-burdened."

    Homes for All plans to file an initiative petition with Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office and collect over 75,000 signatures in support. If successful, the measure would be placed on the ballot next fall. Opponents of rent control argue that it is a failed policy that stifles housing creation and makes lives miserable for renters, landlords, and communities.

    Advocates counter that rent stabilization is necessary to protect workers, families, and seniors from out-of-control housing costs. They point to research showing that home prices are growing much faster than incomes in Massachusetts, making homebuying unrealistic for many residents who are forced to rent or leave the state.