Somerville Fair Housing Commission

06/05/2026

Fair Housing question of the week!

Q: I'm moving out of my apartment. How can I ensure I get my full security deposit back?

A: When you move in, walk through the unit with the landlord and make a note of any damages already in the unit. This document is called a "Statement of Condition." When you are preparing to move out, do another walk-through, comparing lists. If there are any damages, you can repair these yourself before moving out, or the landlord will be able to deduct the cost of repair from your security deposit. Clean the unit thoroughly; all rooms should be swept and vacuumed, trash taken out and all items removed.

05/31/2026

Toto, I think we're not in Kansas anymore. In Massachusetts, source of income IS a protected class. That means landlords cannot refuse to rent to you because you use Section 8 or other vouchers to pay the rent. That would not be Fair Housing!

A new state law will soon void a Lawrence city ordinance that has helped some residents with low incomes find housing over the past three years.

05/29/2026

Fair Housing question of the week!

Q: I want to increase the rent on a unit. What do I need to do?

A: If your tenant has a lease and you do not have an escalator clause in it, you must wait until the end of the lease and then may raise the rent by giving 30 days notice or signing a new lease. If your tenant is a tenant-at-will, you must give them at least 30 days notice before raising the rent.

05/22/2026

Happy Memorial Day weekend! The Fair Housing Question of the Week will return next Friday.

05/15/2026

Fair Housing question of the week!

Q: My tenant just moved out…now what?

A: Within 30 days, you must do the following.

· Get a cost estimate for any repairs necessary in the unit beyond reasonable wear and tear.

· Return their security deposit plus interest (see above). If the unit requires any repairs, provide the tenant with an itemized list and receipt for these repairs and deduct the amount from their security deposit.

· If you collected last month's rent, return the interest accumulated on it.

If you fail to do these things, your tenant has the right to receive the full amount of their security deposit plus interest and you give up your right to deduct for damages. If you refuse to return the security deposit, your tenant can sue you in Small Claims Court for three times the original amount plus court costs. So, do the right thing!

05/11/2026

AI use in housing is booming. The rules to keep it fair are shrinking.

The Trump administration is rolling back civil rights protections that have been used to challenge bias in housing.

05/08/2026

Fair Housing question of the week!

Q: What can my landlord use my security deposit for?

A: The only things your landlord can use your security deposit for is any unpaid rent at the end of your lease or the cost of damages beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear includes the need for repainting, broom cleaning and replacing worn flooring. In addition, you should not be charged for the costs of repairs for normal wear and tear in common areas either. Your landlord should give you a receipt of every repair paid for by your security deposit within 30 days of the end of your lease.

05/04/2026

"When we force lenders to count a spouse's debts without counting their income, we are actively punishing married couples."

FHA underwriters are forced to include a non-borrowing spouse's debts in the applicant's debt-to-income ratio, even if the spouse is not on the loan or title

05/01/2026

Fair Housing Question of the week!

Q: How much notice do I have to give before moving out?

A: If you are a tenant-at-will, you must give at least 30 days notice. If you have a lease, you are bound to stay for the length of the lease unless you and your landlord can come to a mutual agreement.

04/27/2026

HUD’s decision to withdraw long‑standing fair housing guidance is changing how landlords, developers and local governments interpret their federal obligations, even as the underlying law remains the same. The move is raising new questions about compliance, enforcement and how much certainty housing providers can rely on as policy priorities shift.

Without that guide, housing providers are now left to navigate the terrain on their own," Gwen Roy-Harrison said.