Across the US, lawmakers are working on improving tenant protection and increasing housing affordability. One of the areas getting the most attention?

Fee transparency.

Several new laws are changing how landlords must disclose rental prices, ensuring tenants know the full cost of the rental upfront, before they’ve applied or signed a lease.

In this article, we’ll go over the new transparency laws that will take effect starting in 2025 (and beyond) across Massachusetts.

Massachusetts

Effective September 2, 2025, Massachusetts’ Unfair and Deceptive Fees Rule (940 CMR 38.00) will require landlords to clearly disclose:

  • Total rent and fees before collecting personal or billing information
  • The purpose and amount of each fee, including optional ones
  • Instructions to opt out of optional or waivable fees
  • Transparent disclosures for automatic renewals

This applies to rental marketing, leasing, and even vendor agreements.

The total price includes all mandatory fees and any optional or waivable fees. Additionally, instructions on how to avoid optional fees must be provided.

Why These Laws Matter

These changes are all part of a national movement to eliminate hidden fees (otherwise known as “junk fees”) and promote fair, transparent housing practices. With states like California and Massachusetts leading the way, more states are likely to follow.

How Landlords Can Prepare

To stay compliant and continue building trust with your tenants, here are a few tips:

  • Audit your current listings to ensure all fees are clearly stated
  • Review your leasing flow so the total price is shown before collecting renter info
  • Update leases with auto-renewal disclosures that are simple and easy to understand

Final Thoughts

While updating your processes to reflect these new laws can be time-consuming, know that fee transparency is a benefit that both landlords and tenants can experience. Providing upfront pricing builds trust and ensures tenants are fully prepared to rent your property.

Sources:

  1. https://oag.ca.gov/hiddenfees
  2. https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2024-12-31/new-maine-law-to-require-total-price-disclosure-of-rental-housing
  3. https://homelinemn.org/9843/groundbreaking-new-tenant-protection-laws-await-governors-signature