A proposal by Governor Maura Healey could change who's responsible for paying broker fees in the Massachusetts rental market. The proposal, part of the state's budget plan, would shift the responsibility from the tenant to the landlord as part of the state's efforts to tackle housing costs and availability.

The measure lawmakers sent to Governor Maura Healey this week will require the fee to be charged to whichever party, landlord or tenant, who first works with the broker.

Massachusetts renters are poised to get some relief from onerous broker fees under a provision tucked into the 2026 spending package that Governor Maura Healey has pledged to sign.