Proposed ordinance brings greater energy efficiency, affordability, and more to renters 

Mayor Katjana Ballantyne and the City of Somerville’s Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) invite you to a virtual community meeting to learn more about a proposed Rental Registry and Energy Disclosure ordinance designed to improve rental unit energy efficiency, affordability, and healthiness, as well as advance the city’s climate action and affordable housing efforts. 

Meeting Details 

• When: Wednesday, November 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. 
• Where: Online via Zoom  
• How to Join: Register for the meeting here or go to somervillema.gov/rred 

Attendees will get updates on the proposed ordinance, the community feedback process and the feedback received, discuss the preliminary implementation plan, and have opportunities to ask questions and give additional feedback. Once finalized, the proposed ordinance will be submitted to City Council for approval. 

For questions about this initiative, please contact Garrett Anderson at ganderson@somervillema.gov and 857-270-4403. 

About the Rental Registry and Energy Disclosure 

Roughly two-thirds of Somerville residents are renters, and the City of Somerville is determined to improve their access to the energy savings and health benefits of green energy upgrades often out of reach to renters–especially low-income renters.   

The proposed ordinance will strengthen two-way communication between landlords and the city, while improving landlord access to energy efficiency and weatherization resources. In passing this ordinance, Somerville would be joining more than 60% of US cities in creating a rental registry. The energy disclosure component would be the first of its kind in Massachusetts, and increase awareness about energy efficiency in rental units.