Lawmakers Pass Budget Bill That Would Eliminate Broker's Fees For Massachusetts Renters

CBS Boston

July 2, 2025

Lawmakers on Beacon Hill in Boston have just passed a budget bill that includes legislation to eliminate renter-paid broker fees. The add-on is typically the cost of one month's rent, and can be a major hurdle for renters trying to find a place to live in the city.

"That is a lot of money to come up with, especially if you are just starting out in this world," said Lina Kriva, a real estate agent with her namesake Lina Kriva Homes.

Typically, a landlord can ask for first and last month's rent, as well as a security deposit. The deposit is also usually the cost of one month's rent. Often, the landlord will ask the renter to pay for a broker's fee. If both the landlord and the renter have a broker, those brokers will usually split the overall fee. When you factor in the broker fee to the typical up-front costs to move in, some renters are paying a total of four months' rent just to get a key to move in.

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