If you own rental property in Metro Boston-this is one update you don’t want to ignore. Starting August 1, the way broker fees work in Massachusetts is about to change, and it's going to affect how you rent out your units. Let’s break it down: what’s changing, what it means for you as a landlord, and how working with a good local realtor can actually make your life a whole lot easier.

🚨 So… What’s Happening on August 1?

Governor Maura Healey is signing off on a new rule that says tenants can no longer be forced to pay a broker fee-unless they hired the broker themselves.

Yep, that means if you hire the broker (which, let’s be honest, is usually the case), then you’re the one paying their fee. For years, it’s been standard in Boston for tenants to cough up a full month’s rent just to cover the broker-whether they wanted to or not. Not anymore.

And let’s face it-most renters are already scraping together first month, last month, and a security deposit. This change is really aimed at making things fairer for them. But that doesn’t mean landlords like you are left out in the cold.

📍 Why This Hits Home in East Boston

Metro Boston isn’t just any rental market. From Somerville to Dorchester, Brighton to Cambridge, it’s one of the most active and competitive areas in the country-with diverse neighborhoods, growing demand, and ever-rising expectations from renters. But here’s the thing: with all that demand comes competition. There are a lot of great rentals out there. If your listing comes with unexpected costs or unclear info about broker fees, tenants will move on fast. This new law is your chance to stand out as a landlord who’s transparent, fair, and on top of things. That matters more than you might think when renters are deciding who to trust with their next move.

🛠️ “Okay… But How Am I Supposed to Handle All This?”

Great question-and here’s the honest answer: you don’t have to do it all yourself. This is where a local, experienced realtor can step in and take a huge weight off your shoulders. Yes, you’ll be the one paying the broker fee moving forward. But for what you get in return? It’s worth it. Seriously.

Here’s what a good realtor will actually do for you:

Here’s what a good realtor will actually do for you:

📈 Price It Right

They know what’s happening in your part of Metro Boston right now. Not just what you think your unit is worth-but what it will realistically rent for in today’s market, especially with this new rule kicking in.

📸 Get Eyes on Your Listing

They’ll handle the listing-think professional photos, smart descriptions, and getting it posted where it matters. Your unit won’t sit vacant because someone forgot to hit "publish."

🔍 Screen Tenants Thoroughly

Background checks, employment verification, references-you name it. Realtors help weed out the red flags so you’re not stuck chasing rent down the road.

📄 Take Care of Paperwork

With the law changing, your lease needs to reflect that you, the landlord, are paying the broker. A realtor will make sure everything’s updated and compliant, so you don’t end up with legal headaches later.

📅 Handle Showings and Questions

You’re busy. Let them field the calls, schedule the showings, and answer the (often repetitive) tenant questions. You just get the final say.

🧠 Bring Local Know-How

A Metro Boston realtor knows the ins and outs of your neighborhood. They know who’s renting, what they’re looking for, and how to position your unit to attract the right fit quickly.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

🔄 What Should You Do Right Now?

Here’s a quick to-do list before August 1 hits:

• ✅ Check your lease language. Make sure it clearly states who’s paying the broker fee-and that it lines up with the new law.
• ✅ Connect with a local realtor. Talk through how they handle marketing, showings, and tenant screening now that this change is official.
• ✅ Think long-term. Yes, this is a shift. But it’s one that can actually lead to better tenants, shorter vacancy times, and less hassle-if you’ve got the right support.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

✍️ Quick Summary

Starting August 1, Massachusetts landlords can no longer require tenants to pay broker fees unless the tenant hired the broker themselves. In Metro Boston-where the rental market is active and competitive-this means it’s more important than ever to be clear, fair, and proactive. Partnering with a local realtor can help you stay compliant, find great tenants faster, and make the whole leasing process a lot less stressful.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Paolo Jimenez 

Real Estate Advisor
857-424-0141 
Email: [email protected]
Website: paolojrealestate.com

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Disclaimer

This blog is meant to give you a friendly overview - not legal advice. Every situation is different, and the law can get complicated. Be sure to talk to a trusted real estate professional or legal advisor if you have questions about how this applies to your rental property.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Boston single-family homes for sale, Best Boston suburbs for families 2025, Luxury homes in Boston MA, Historic homes for sale Boston, South End Boston single-family homes, Brookline MA homes for sale, Cambridge MA single-family homes, Newton MA luxury real estate, Charlestown Boston houses for sale, Jamaica Plain homes for sale, Boston multi-family homes for sale, Best Boston neighborhoods for real estate investors, Triple-decker homes Boston, Dorchester MA investment properties, Roxbury multi-family homes, Boston real estate cash flow properties, Somerville MA duplex for sale, Allston-Brighton rental properties, Boston fixer-upper homes for sale, High ROI Boston real estate, Boston apartments for rent 2025, Luxury condos Boston Seaport, Downtown Boston high-rise condos, Best Boston neighborhoods for young professionals, Fenway apartments for rent, Back Bay condos for sale, Affordable apartments in Boston, Boston waterfront condos, South Boston luxury rentals, Pet-friendly apartments Boston, Best Boston real estate agents 2025, Top-rated Boston realtors for first-time buyers, Boston housing market forecast 2025, Is now a good time to buy in Boston?, Boston real estate closing costs, How to sell a house fast in Boston, Boston real estate attorney recommendations, Boston home inspection companies, Boston mortgage lenders with low rates, Boston real estate tax deductions, Cheap homes for sale near Boston under $500K, Boston real estate with parking, Walkable neighborhoods in Boston, Best Boston schools and homes for sale, Boston townhouses with roof decks, New construction homes Boston 2025, Boston short-term rental laws, Off-market Boston real estate deals, Boston home staging tips for sellers, How to invest in Boston real estate with no money