Sen. Lewis and Mass. Senate strengthen fair housing protections for renters and buyers

On February 12, 2026, State Senator Jason Lewis joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to unanimously pass legislation that protects residents from discrimination in the housing market. On February 17, the Massachusetts House referred the legislation to its committee on Ways and Means. Reportedly, the Trump administration has abandoned enforcement of the federal Fair Housing Act.

Illegal discrimination continues to hamper many homebuyers’ and renters’ ability to find a home. A 2020 study by the Boston Foundation and Suffolk University found that 71% of Black participants faced housing discrimination and were 30% more likely to be “ghosted” by real estate agents. It also found that renters of all backgrounds with housing vouchers were highly likely to be prevented from even seeing apartments.

“The amount of discrimination in our housing market is horrific, and it is appalling that the Trump administration is trying to dismantle fair and affordable housing options for residents as part of their anti-DEI campaign,” said Senator Lewis. “This bill boosts education and enforcement to help protect all residents from discrimination and promote fair housing opportunities.”

The Senate’s bill mandates fair housing training for all real estate agents as part of their licensure or license renewal process. It also increases penalties for second-offense fair housing law violations, increasing the current 90-day license suspension to 180 days. Violations include discrimination against potential renters or buyers based on their characteristics, such as their race, age, religion, marital status or use of a housing voucher.