The Northampton City Council unanimously approved an order to pursue special legislation to prevent tenants from being required to pay broker fees for residential rentals.

The item, listed as an order for special legislation (home‑rule petition) addressing broker fees, was in second reading and received a letter of support from the Northampton Housing Partnership. Public commenters who rent in Northampton described broker fees as a barrier to housing: Hannah Schafer, who has rented in Northampton for 15 years, told the council the local market is “monopolized by companies that require these fees” and said, “Adding a broker fee of 50 to 60% of 1 month's rent can push move‑in costs for a one‑bedroom in NoHo to over $5,000.”

Councilor Perry moved to approve the order and Councilor LaBarge seconded; a roll‑call vote recorded unanimous approval. The council recorded appreciation for the Housing Partnership and for local and state legislators who have engaged on the issue.

The order asks the city to seek state action through the home‑rule process to change the statutory framework that allows tenants to be charged broker fees; the council and speakers described the measure as a tenant‑protection step intended to make rental move‑in costs more manageable.

Votes at a glance
• Order for special legislation relative to broker fees (25.235) — mover: Councilor Perry; second: Councilor LaBarge — outcome: approved unanimously.

What was not decided: The council’s action approves the city’s request for special legislation; whether a statewide law will be enacted is subject to the state legislative process and was not decided by the council.