Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday that her Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal will include a section to eliminate renter-paid broker fees, an idea she had floated during a radio interview last week.
“Broker fees are an unfair cost for renters, and they should not be on the hook to pay for someone they didn’t hire,” Healey said in a statement. “We’re proud to be proposing this change that will save renters thousands of dollars – making it possible for more young people, seniors and families to stay in Massachusetts, help businesses attract the best talent, and put more money back in people’s pockets for groceries, health care, and other needs.
Most renters in the state are required by default to cover the cost of a broker fee when they rent an apartment, which can be equal to a full month’s rent. Healey’s proposal will require the fee to be …