Landlord Tenant Laws in Massachusetts (MA)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Massachusetts's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 1 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of B (Tenant-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Massachusetts has very strict deposit laws — violations can result in treble damages. Last month's rent and lock change deposits are the only other permitted upfront charges. Rent control was abolished statewide by ballot measure in 1994. Strong anti-retaliation protections.
Security Deposit Rules in Massachusetts
Massachusetts limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, a landlord must provide 14 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is one of the longer notice periods nationally, giving tenants meaningful time to pay overdue rent or find alternative housing. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Massachusetts.
Tenant Rights in Massachusetts
Tenants in Massachusetts have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Massachusetts
Massachusetts has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in Massachusetts
Landlords in Massachusetts are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide Reasonable notice notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Massachusetts
Many cities in Massachusetts have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Boston
Boston follows state law. Strict enforcement of security deposit laws. Active housing court. No local rent control since 1994 ballot measure.
Cambridge
Lost rent control in 1994. Follows state law. Active tenant advocacy organizations.
Worcester
Follows state landlord-tenant law. Has housing code enforcement.
Springfield
No additional local tenant protections beyond Massachusetts state law.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Massachusetts scores 71 out of 100, earning a grade of B (Tenant-Friendly).
How Massachusetts Compares
Below is a comparison of Massachusetts with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Massachusetts falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts (MA) | 71 | B | 1 month's rent | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Oregon (OR) | 71 | B | No statutory limit (but must be refundable) | 10 days | Statewide Rent Control |
| Hawaii (HI) | 72 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | No Rent Control |
| Maryland (MD) | 69 | B | 2 months' rent | 10 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Maine (ME) | 67 | B | 2 months' rent | 7 days | Local Rent Control Allowed |
| Rhode Island (RI) | 67 | B | 1 month's rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the security deposit limit is 1 month's rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Massachusetts?
For nonpayment of rent, Massachusetts requires 14 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Massachusetts if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Massachusetts allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Massachusetts have rent control?
No, Massachusetts prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Massachusetts?
Landlords in Massachusetts must give Reasonable notice notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Massachusetts are primarily found in Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186, § 1 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.