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Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Laws

A summary of Massachusetts rules for security deposits, entry notice, late fees, rent increases, and required disclosures.

This is a general summary for informational purposes, not legal advice. Laws change and local ordinances can add requirements beyond state law — verify current rules with your state's official statutes or an attorney before relying on this for an actual tenancy.

What's distinctive about Massachusetts

Massachusetts banned local rent control statewide via a 1994 ballot referendum, so no city or town can impose its own rent caps — the rules below are the complete legal picture, not a baseline that cities add to. Massachusetts also requires landlords to pay interest on security deposits, a requirement most states don't impose.

Security deposit limit1 month rent
Interest on deposit requiredYes
Deposit return deadline30 Days days
Entry notice requiredReasonable notice; no fixed statutory hours
Late fee limitLate fees generally not chargeable until 30 days late
Late fee grace period30
Rent increase notice30 or rental period, whichever longer
Eviction notice period14

Required disclosures in Massachusetts

  • • Federal lead-based paint
  • • security deposit receipt/statement of condition
  • • lead law
  • • insurance disclosure on request

Sources

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