Massachusetts HOA Law Changes 2021–2025: What Every Board Needs to Know

Overview of Massachusetts HOA Law Changes 2021–2025

Massachusetts condominium associations are governed by the Massachusetts Condominium Act, M.G.L. Chapter 183A, and operate under a master deed and trust structure. The most significant change to this framework during 2021–2025 came through a broader housing bill rather than a standalone condo-law act.

2024 Legislative Session

The Affordable Homes Act (Chapter 150 of the Acts of 2024) — Electronic Meetings and Voting

Governor Healey signed the Affordable Homes Act (H.4977) on August 6, 2024. Among its many housing provisions, the act added a new section to M.G.L. c. 183A that expressly authorizes condominium boards to hold meetings by phone, video, or other electronic means, and permits unit owners to vote by mail ballot or electronic ballot — all without needing to amend the association's master deed, declaration of trust, or bylaws first. Before this change, many Massachusetts trustees were uncertain whether electronic meetings and remote voting were permissible without a governing-document amendment; the Act removed that ambiguity by building the authorization directly into the statute.

What Hasn't Changed

Massachusetts has not enacted a standalone statutory mandate for structural inspections, reserve studies, solar rights, or ADU construction specific to condominiums during this window — associations should not assume such requirements exist under M.G.L. c. 183A unless their own governing documents impose them. Boards evaluating structural, reserve, or ADU questions should rely on their master deed and trust documents, applicable building codes, and local zoning rather than a specific statewide condo-law mandate.

Board Action Checklist

• Confirm your board is taking advantage of the Affordable Homes Act's authorization for electronic meetings and mail/electronic ballots — no governing-document amendment is required to use it
• Update your bylaws or meeting procedures to reflect the electronic meeting and voting option, even though it is not legally required
• Do not assume Massachusetts has a statutory structural-inspection or reserve-study mandate for condos — check your own trust documents and local building code requirements
• Consult Massachusetts counsel before assuming any statutory right or requirement not found in M.G.L. c. 183A or your governing documents

How APM Helps Massachusetts HOA Boards Stay Compliant

APM's remote HOA management service monitors Massachusetts HOA and condominium law updates and provides client boards with compliance guidance and updated policy templates as the law changes. Learn about our Massachusetts remote management services. Contact us at billing@apmhoa.com or call 810-777-7060.

Legal disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney for guidance specific to your community.