Overview
- Mayor Michelle Wu said on GBH she will vote yes on the rent-control question if it reaches the ballot, despite preferring a negotiated legislative approach.
- The proposal would cap annual rent hikes at 5% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower, with exemptions for owner‑occupied homes, buildings with four or fewer units, and new construction under 10 years old.
- Homes for All Massachusetts leads the initiative, reporting more than 124,000 signatures gathered last fall and facing a final signature deadline in June to secure ballot placement.
- Real estate groups have filed a challenge with the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and signaled plans to spend tens of millions to defeat the measure; Governor Maura Healey has stated her opposition.
- State lawmakers have not yet held a hearing on the initiative, while the Boston City Council voted 9–3 to support putting the question to voters.