Healey Says No To Rent Control – But Berkshire Rents Keep Rising

Governor Maura Healey announced this week she'll vote against a 2026 ballot measure that would cap annual rent increases at 5% or the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.

"Rent control is not going to be the solution to how we get through this crisis," Healey told Boston Public Radio on Tuesday. "We need to build more homes."

But for Berkshire County renters facing unlimited rent increases with zero state protections, that answer rings hollow.

Massachusetts Currently Has No Rent Law

Massachusetts currently has no laws limiting how much landlords can raise rent. A landlord can legally increase rent by 20%, 30%, or even 50% when a lease expires—and tenants have no recourse except to move out or pay up.

The proposed ballot measure would cap annual increases at 5% or inflation, using January 2026 rents as the baseline. The measure earned certification this week after collecting more than 88,000 signatures.

Healey argues rent control would "halt production" and scare off housing investors. She pointed to Massachusetts' housing shortage and her administration's work to build 100,000 new homes.

But here's the disconnect: Building more housing doesn't help renters being priced out right now. And in the Berkshires, much of the new construction is luxury or high-end development, not affordable units for working families. -berkshireeagle.com

Take Healey's other signature achievement: allowing accessory dwelling units statewide. Sounds great, except Berkshire communities aren't building ADUs despite the law change.

Meanwhile, Berkshire renters face rent hikes with no cap and minimal warning. Massachusetts only requires 30 days' notice for month-to-month tenants or one rental period for lease renewals.

Healey's opposition puts her at odds with supporters who argue the measure would protect tenants while new construction catches up with demand. Opponents claim rent control will discourage development.

The ballot question goes before the Legislature in January. If lawmakers don't act, it goes to voters in November 2026.