State leaders oppose rent control ballot question

Massachusetts voters decided to ban rent control via a 1994 ballot question. 22 News state house reporter Olivia Ray breaks down where that debate stands now 31 years later. >> A potential 2026 ballot question could reinstate rent control in Massachusetts. A policy several of the state's top leaders have come out against. The ballot petition soared past the latest signature certification hurdle last week. The policy would put a hard limit on how much rent can increase year-to-year. Equivalent to either the consumer price index increase or 5% whichever is lower. Solving the Bay State's housing crisis is one of the Healey Driscoll administration's top priorities. When the governor took office nearly 3 years ago, Massachusetts was facing a 220,000 housing unit shortage. The governor says the state has started or built a 100,000 units since, but affordability issues persist. Earlier this week, Governor Healey took to Boston Public Radio to voice her opposition to the measure, saying, quote, "If you look at the studies, you effectively halt production. I will tell you that investors in housing here have already pulled out of Massachusetts because they're concerned about rent control." Proponents of the ballot question argue it would help improve housing stability and even support small landlords by keeping them competitive with corporate colleagues. House Speaker Ron Mariano told 22 News earlier this month that rent control should not make it onto the ballot because voters have already weighed in 31 years ago. 22 News will keep you informed on rent controls journey to the November 2026 ballot and where your state leaders stand on air on the 22N app and online at wwlp.com. Working for you from the state house in Boston.