Residential Rental Bylaw Review

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Consultation has concluded

What is Happening:

The Town Council has tasked its Community Resources Committee (CRC) with proposing revisions to the Residential Rental Property bylaw that was enacted by Town Meeting 10 years ago to require Town permitting of residential rentals. After a decade in use, the Council wants to use the Town’s experience to revise and update the bylaw and its requirements.

CRC’s guiding principles in its work are to (1) ensure that rental homes are properly maintained and code compliant; (2) create a clear permitting program with a more equitable fee structure; (3) address the Town’s climate action goals; and (4) safeguard residents’ quiet enjoyment of their homes and neighborhoods.

We know this work cannot be successful without significant input from those who live in rental homes and those who rent property to others, as well as those who live in neighborhoods where rental homes are located. Therefore, we are asking those who would be affected by any revisions to add your input to the process.

How to Stay Involved:

The survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. We received nearly 300 responses!

The Community Resources Committee is nearing completion of its work on revising the rental permitting bylaw and the responses to the survey, as well as the concerns and feedback we've heard through our other methods of outreach has greatly helped us. To view a folder with the results, please click here. You can view the entire Community Engagement report here.

You can find the latest draft of the rental permitting bylaw and accompanying regulations in the CRC packet for the 2/13 listening session. Earlier drafts can be found in the February 9, 2023 packet. All packets can be found at https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/3575

What is Happening:

The Town Council has tasked its Community Resources Committee (CRC) with proposing revisions to the Residential Rental Property bylaw that was enacted by Town Meeting 10 years ago to require Town permitting of residential rentals. After a decade in use, the Council wants to use the Town’s experience to revise and update the bylaw and its requirements.

CRC’s guiding principles in its work are to (1) ensure that rental homes are properly maintained and code compliant; (2) create a clear permitting program with a more equitable fee structure; (3) address the Town’s climate action goals; and (4) safeguard residents’ quiet enjoyment of their homes and neighborhoods.

We know this work cannot be successful without significant input from those who live in rental homes and those who rent property to others, as well as those who live in neighborhoods where rental homes are located. Therefore, we are asking those who would be affected by any revisions to add your input to the process.

How to Stay Involved:

The survey is now closed. Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. We received nearly 300 responses!

The Community Resources Committee is nearing completion of its work on revising the rental permitting bylaw and the responses to the survey, as well as the concerns and feedback we've heard through our other methods of outreach has greatly helped us. To view a folder with the results, please click here. You can view the entire Community Engagement report here.

You can find the latest draft of the rental permitting bylaw and accompanying regulations in the CRC packet for the 2/13 listening session. Earlier drafts can be found in the February 9, 2023 packet. All packets can be found at https://www.amherstma.gov/DocumentCenter/Index/3575

  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded. Stay tuned for results and more details to be posted to the Engage Amherst project page for this consultation. Thank you for you time and interest!

    Community Feedback on Rental Registration Bylaw

    The Community Resources Committee needs your input!

    Can you tell us about your experience of living in Amherst from the perspective of a renter, a neighbor, and/or landlord?

    Your responses will help us update the rental registration bylaw to promote safe and good quality housing in Amherst.

    Please note that your responses are anonymous and cannot be traced back to you.

    Results will be shared publicly once they're compiled. 

    Completing the survey should take about 10 minutes.

    Thank you!

    Consultation has concluded
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