Recently, the MA Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities (HLC) contacted GBREB requesting input on Affordable Homes Act Sec. 50, which requires HLC to establish a mechanism for allowing a fee in lieu of standard security deposits for rental housing if both the landlord and tenant agree to the alternative fee. GBREB provided proposed amendments to Sec. 50 to effectuate the Affordable Homes Act's goals, which conflict with existing MA law limiting allowable initial rental housing payments to first month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit and a lock/key fee.