Massachusetts Rental Laws
Your Massachusetts Rental Laws Guide to helpful links and information for leases, rent, security deposits, tenant screening, real estate and government.
Official Website of the State of Massachusetts
The United States Census Bureau estimated that the population of Massachusetts was 6,745,408 on July 1, 2014, a 3.02% increase since the 2010 United States Census
The State of Massachusetts has 14 counties.
State Rules and Regulations
- Keys Laws Landlords and Tenants Need to Know
- Massachusetts Residential Landlord and Tenant Code
- Local Tenant Rights, Laws, and Protections
- Massachusetts Landlord Tenant Handbook
Legal Resources
- Landlord and Tenant Law by Trial Court Library
- How to be a Landlord and Avoid Legal Trouble by Attorney Joseph Ross
- Massachusetts Housing Court
- Eviction Storage Law
- Eviction Self Help Guide
Important Lease Terms
Security Deposits
- Amount: 1 Month
- Return Deadline: 30 Days
Fees and Notice
- Applications Fees: No Restrictions
- Termination Notice: Landlord can terminate with an Unconditional Quit notice.
- Tenant Rights to Withhold Rent: Yes and may repair and deduct subject to conditions
Landlord Disclosures
- Massachusetts Required Landlord Disclosure
- The Lead Disclosure Rule: Federal law requires that before signing a lease for housing built before 1978, renters must receive The Lead Based Paint EPA Disclosure and Lead Based Paint EPA Pamphlet
Utilities
Real Estate Links
Federal Government
- Fair Credit Reporting Act: Federal Government legislation which promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information contained in the files of consumer reporting agencies.
- Fair Housing Act: The Fair Housing Act protects people from discrimination when they are renting, buying, or securing financing for any housing. The prohibitions specifically cover discrimination because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability and the presence of children
Credit Reports
Tenant Screening
- Summary of Your Rights Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Counties covered: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, Worcester
- Options for Tenant Screening Packages and Prices
Last Updated: April 14, 2020