This article summarizes some key Massachusetts landlord-tenant laws applicable to residential rental units.

The Official State Statutes and other reputable municipal sources were used to research this information. All sources are cited appropriately.

With that said, landlord-tenant laws are always changing, and may even vary from county to county. You have a responsibility to perform your own research and cautiously apply the laws to your unique situation.

If you have a legal question or concern, I only recommend contacting a licensed attorney referral service that is operated by the state bar association.

Official Rules and Regulations

Security Deposit:

Lease, Rent & Fees:

Notices and Entry:

Disclosures and Miscellaneous Notes:

Landlord Responsibilities: (handbook) Water: The landlord must provide the means for enough water and pressure to satisfy ordinary needs. Landlord also must provide the means to heat the water to 110F-130F degrees. Tenant may be responsible for the cost of water and fuel to heat it. Heat: From September 16 to June 14, every room must be heated to at least 68º F between 7:00 AM and 11 PM, and at least 64º F at all other hours. Tenant may be responsible for the fuel/electricity to heat the unit. Kitchen: The landlord must provide within the kitchen: a sink of sufficient size and capacity for washing dishes and kitchen utensils, a stove and oven in good repair (unless your written lease requires you to provide your own), and space and proper facilities for the installation of a refrigerator. The landlord does not have to provide a refrigerator. If a refrigerator is provided, however, the landlord must keep it in working order. Cockroaches and Rodents: The landlord must maintain the unit free from rodents, cockroaches, and insect infestation, if there are two or more apartments in the building.

(handbook) Name and Addresses: Landlord must disclose the name and address of the property owner, anyone authorized to manage the property, amount of security deposit, and the tenant’s security deposit rights. (handbook)

Landlord must disclose the name and address of the property owner, anyone authorized to manage the property, amount of security deposit, and the tenant’s security deposit rights. (handbook) Disclosure of Insurance: Within 15 days of request by a tenant or government official, the landlord must provide the name of the property insurance company, the amount of insurance, and the name of any person who would receive payment for a loss covered by such insurance. Violation of this shall be punishable by a fine not more than $500. (MGL c.186 § 21)

Within 15 days of request by a tenant or government official, the landlord must provide the name of the property insurance company, the amount of insurance, and the name of any person who would receive payment for a loss covered by such insurance. Violation of this shall be punishable by a fine not more than $500. (MGL c.186 § 21) Domestic Violence Situations: Proof of Status: Landlord is entitled to verify claim of Domestic Violence status. (MGL c.186 § 24(a)) Termination of Lease: A tenant is allowed to terminate a lease with proof of Domestic Violence status, however the request to terminate must happen within 3 months from the incident date. (MGL c.186 § 24(b)) Landlord Cannot Terminate Lease: A landlord may not refuse to enter into a rental agreement based on the tenant’s or applicant’s or a household member’s status as a victim of domestic violence, or having previously terminated a lease or requested a lock change due to domestic violence. (MGL c.186 § 25) Locks: Upon request, the landlord must change the locks or allow the tenant to change the locks to the dwelling at the tenant’s expense. (MGL c.186 § 26)

Retaliation: Landlord must not terminate a lease, refuse to renew a lease, or raise the rent to a tenant who has, exercised a legal right, filed an official complaint to a Government Authority, has been involved in a tenant’s organization, or has withheld rent for poor condition. Retaliation will be assumed if landlord responds negatively within 6 months of tenants action. (MGL c.186 § 18, MGL c.239 § 2A)

Landlord must not terminate a lease, refuse to renew a lease, or raise the rent to a tenant who has, exercised a legal right, filed an official complaint to a Government Authority, has been involved in a tenant’s organization, or has withheld rent for poor condition. Retaliation will be assumed if landlord responds negatively within 6 months of tenants action. (MGL c.186 § 18, MGL c.239 § 2A) Lead Disclosure: Landlords must disclose all known lead paint hazards. Landlords must also provide tenants, as an attachment to a written lease, with an information pamphlet on Lead-based paint hazards.

Landlords must disclose all known lead paint hazards. Landlords must also provide tenants, as an attachment to a written lease, with an information pamphlet on Lead-based paint hazards. Children: Landlord may not prohibit or restrict the occupancy of children. (MGL c.186 § 16)

Court & Legal Related:

Business Licenses:

Business License Required: No state-wide statute, but local cities and counties may have regulations and requirements. Check with your local governing authority.

Get Help

Housing Discrimination:

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

(617) 994-6000

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (617) 994-6000 Licensing of Real Estate Brokers/Salespersons:

Division of Registration

Information: Real Estate Board (617) 727-2373

Complaints: Office of Investigations (617) 727-7406

Division of Registration Information: Real Estate Board (617) 727-2373 Complaints: Office of Investigations (617) 727-7406 Lead Paint Removal:

Department of Public Health

Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program

(617) 624-5757; Toll Free: (800) 532-9571

Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (617) 624-5757; Toll Free: (800) 532-9571 Face-to-Face Mediation:

For the program in your area call:

Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline

617-727-8400; www.mass.gov/ago

For the program in your area call: Attorney General’s Consumer Hotline Housing Consumer Education Cent er:

(800) 224-5124; www.masshousinginfo.org

er: (800) 224-5124; www.masshousinginfo.org To Obtain Legal Assistance:

Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Program

(617) 654-0400; Toll Free in MA: (800) 392-6164

Get our free newsletter Join 200,000+ landlords ​Tips to increase income

Time-saving techniques

​Powerful tools & resources ​Your privacy is safe