Boston Real Estate Times | November 18, 2025
BOSTON — Three of Massachusetts’ leading real estate organizations are sounding the alarm over a proposed statewide rent control ballot question, warning that the measure would worsen the Commonwealth’s housing shortage, deter investment, and destabilize local budgets.
In a joint letter sent to mayors and chamber leaders across the state, Greg Vasil, CEO of the Greater Boston Real Estate Board; Theresa Hatton, CEO of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors; and Tamara Small, CEO of NAIOP Massachusetts, outlined what they call the “unintended consequences” of what would become one of the most restrictive rent control laws in the country.
The announcement comes as proponents confirmed they have gathered enough signatures to advance the measure toward the 2026 ballot. In response, the organizations released a joint statement underscoring the severity of the proposal:
“The risks of this ballot question for our economy cannot be overstated. It is not an opt-in: this question creates the most restrictive rent control program in the entire United States and forces it on every city and town across the Commonwealth. It will unquestionably make our housing crisis worse and significantly reduce the supply of quality homes on the rental market.Our priority over the next year will be educating homeowners, community leaders, businesses, and elected officials about exactly how damaging this proposal will be for their families, schools, workforces, and local budgets. At every point of the process, we will do whatever it takes to protect our economy, create new housing, and strengthen the future of Massachusetts.”
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