BOSTON – The FY26 budget passed by the Massachusetts Legislature and sent to the governor’s office on Monday includes language which effectively bans renter-paid real estate broker fees. The provision requires whichever party hired the broker to pay all related fees.
Healey included the provision in the budget proposal she sent to the legislature. The legislature included the provision in the final budget bill it passed.
“The days of renters being forced to shell out upwards of $10,000 before they can even move into an apartment are over,” said Governor Healey. “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.”
Healey says she intends to sign the bill passed by the legislature in the coming days.
“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.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said broker fees were, “forcing young people to 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.”
