Committee recommends approval of home rule petition to bar landlords from passing broker fees to tenants

The Committee on Legislative Matters voted to recommend approval of a home rule petition that would prevent landlords from passing broker fees onto tenants when the landlord or owner hires the broker. The committee approved the recommendation by roll call and will forward the petition to the full Somerville City Council for consideration.

Marina Zelaya, housing policy coordinator in the city's housing division, said the proposal would remove a practice common in the Greater Boston rental market and reduce upfront costs for renters. Zelaya told the committee that combined upfront costs for tenants (first month, last month, security deposit and broker fee) can amount to roughly four months'…