Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Massachusetts has some of the strongest tenant protection laws in the nation. The state requires landlords to follow strict procedures for security deposits, provides detailed habitability standards, and offers significant remedies for tenant rights violations.
Security Deposit
Limit: 1 month's rent for security deposit. First month's rent, last month's rent, security deposit, and lock/key deposit are the only upfront payments allowed.
Return Period: 30 days after termination of tenancy. Must provide itemized list of damages with receipts or estimates. Deposit must be held in separate interest-bearing account in Massachusetts bank.
Rent Increases
30 days notice for tenancies at will. Cannot increase rent in retaliation for tenant asserting rights.
Entry Notice
No statutory requirement, but reasonable notice is required. Landlord cannot abuse right of access.
Key Statutes
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 §15B - Security Deposits
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 239 §2A - Summary Process
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 §14 - Warranty of Habitability
- State Sanitary Code 105 CMR 410 - Minimum Standards
Common Issues
- Not holding deposits in proper bank accounts with interest
- Failure to provide itemized deductions with receipts
- Not complying with strict security deposit laws (treble damages possible)
- Retaliatory eviction after tenant complaints
- Failure to provide lead paint certificates