Two proposed bills in the Massachusetts legislature, HB1901 and HB2246, are stirring debate among landlords in Fall River, MA, where the rental market is booming thanks to the new MBTA station and waterfront development. These bills would hold landlords financially accountable for tenant drug-related issues and police responses — even if the landlord isn’t directly involved. At Fortified Realty Group, our Fall River, MA residential property management team that serves Massachusetts and Rhode Island sees potential in the intent to improve public safety, and we believe these bills could only work if Massachusetts reforms its eviction laws to resolve issues faster. Without that, we are skeptical — this feels like a money grab for a financially strained state. Let’s break down these bills, their implications, and what they mean for Fall River landlords and tenants.
1. What Are HB1901 And HB2246 All About?
HB1901 would fine landlords if tenants use or store illegal drugs on the property, even if the landlord has no knowledge of the activity. HB2246 goes further, making landlords financially responsible for police response costs — regardless of who calls or why. The goal is to curb crime in rental properties by incentivizing landlords to maintain safer environments. In Fall River, where a 2-bedroom might rent for $1,500/month, these bills could add significant costs and pitfalls for landlords, especially if they’re unaware of tenant behavior until it’s too late.
2. Is The Potential Upside Of These Bills Safer Communities?
Supporters argue these bills address real community concerns. Drug-related activity in rentals can lead to crime, property damage, and neighborhood decline — issues that hit hard in Fall River, where we value our tight-knit communities. Frequent police calls also strain municipal resources, like our local police department. By holding landlords accountable, the bills aim to encourage proactive measures, such as stricter tenant screening or lease clauses against illegal activity. For tenants paying $1,500/month, this could mean safer living conditions, potentially reducing risks that affect their quality of life.
3. Why Faster Eviction Laws Are Essential For These Bills To Work
Here’s our biggest concern: these bills won’t work without faster eviction laws in Massachusetts. Right now, evictions take 3-6 months, as we have covered before. There are lots of misconceptions around evictions, and if a tenant is using drugs or causing police calls, landlords can’t quickly evict them — delays cost $4,500-$9,000 in lost rent for a $1,500/month unit. We experienced this firsthand last year with a tenant who was selling drugs out of their unit. The police were aware, the tenant stopped paying rent, threatened us and other tenants, and caused over $10,000 in damage by trashing the apartment. It took us 6 months to evict them, and on move-out day, we found several people in the unit, clearly high and passed out. If evictions were streamlined to 5 days — especially when we know there’s a problem and law enforcement has knowledge as well — landlords could address issues faster, making these bills fairer; instead, everyone adopts a ‘nothing I can do about it’ attitude, dragging out the process while good tenants endure the negative impact of a problematic tenant in the building. Without this reform, the bills feel one-sided, and we doubt Massachusetts will prioritize landlord-friendly changes given the state’s tenant-focused laws.
4. A Money Grab For A Bankrupt State?
Massachusetts is grappling with budget deficits — recent reports highlight shortfalls of $2 billion or more in the coming years. These bills could generate significant revenue through fines. For example, if HB1901 fines landlords $500 per drug-related incident, a landlord with multiple units could face thousands in penalties annually. HB2246’s police response fees add even more costs. In Fall River, where landlords often manage several properties, this feels like a revenue grab disguised as public safety. We are skeptical the state will use these funds to improve housing or eviction processes — it’s more likely to fill budget gaps, leaving landlords and tenants without real solutions.
5. What This Means For Fall River’s Rental Market
Fall River’s rental market is unique, with high demand driven by the MBTA station and waterfront growth. These bills could push landlords to screen tenants more aggressively, potentially reducing crime but also tightening rental availability — rents around $1,500 for a 2-bedroom might rise if landlords pass on fines or exit the market. Tenants could face stricter lease terms, impacting their rental experience. Without eviction reform, these bills risk creating more challenges than they solve in our local market.
Let’s Work Together On Fall River’s Rental Challenges
HB1901 and HB2246 aim to improve safety, but without faster eviction laws, they feel like a money grab for a struggling state. Fall River landlords and tenants need policies that work for everyone. Fortified Realty Group LLC is here to help you manage properties and stay ahead of legislative changes. Since our founding in 2015, we have worked with countless clients just like you. Contact us to discuss your rentals — we’ve got your back!
Disclaimer: All dollar amounts and rent increase assumptions provided in this blog are for example purposes only and can change at any time based on market conditions, property specifics, and other factors. Fortified Realty Group is not an attorney, and this post is in no way offering any legal advice. This post is for general knowledge, and if you want legal advice, please seek out an attorney.
