Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32B
Definitions
Operative Text
Section 32B. As used in sections thirty-two B to thirty-two F, inclusive, the following words shall have the following meanings unless the content otherwise requires: ''Landlord'', the owner or managing agent of a public housing development or a subsidized housing development. ''Public housing development'', such developments for housing owned and operated by a housing authority pursuant to this chapter. ''Subsidized housing development'', such multi-family developments for housing as: (a) receive the benefit of subsidy in the form of project-based assistance under the section 8 housing assistance program for the disposition of projects owned by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or (b) are owned or held by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development as mortgagee-in-possession. ''Tenant household'', an individual, family unit, or other group living in a public housing development or a subsidized housing development, as reported to the landlord of the development at initial occupancy or thereafter.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32B establishes the specific definitions that apply throughout Sections 32B to 32F of Chapter 121B. It clarifies who qualifies as a "landlord" (owners or managing agents of public or subsidized housing), what counts as a "public housing development" (authority-owned and operated housing under the chapter), what qualifies as a "subsidized housing development" (certain multi-family properties receiving HUD Section 8 project-based assistance or held by HUD as mortgagee-in-possession), and who constitutes a "tenant household" (individuals or family units living in those developments). These definitions set the boundaries for which parties and properties the subsequent sections govern.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32B, operators of public housing authorities and managing agents of qualifying subsidized developments fall within the defined category of "landlord" for purposes of Sections 32B through 32F. Compliant operators generally maintain accurate records of the development's subsidy status—such as HUD Section 8 project-based assistance or mortgagee-in-possession status—to confirm whether the provisions of this chapter apply to their property. They also keep current records of all tenant household compositions as reported at initial occupancy or updated thereafter, since that reported information defines who qualifies as a "tenant household" under this framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mass. Gen. Laws c. 121B § 32B determines whether a resident's home qualifies as a "public housing development" or "subsidized housing development," which in turn determines whether the protections in Sections 32B through 32F apply to that resident's household. Tenants living in housing authority developments or in multi-family properties receiving HUD Section 8 project-based assistance may fall within the definition of a "tenant household" under this provision, provided their household composition was reported to the landlord at move-in or updated since then. Residents who are uncertain whether their development qualifies under these definitions may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with Massachusetts public and subsidized housing law.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 30, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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