Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Massachusetts has some of the strictest deposit rules in the country: the money must sit in a separate Massachusetts bank account, earn interest for the tenant, and come with a written statement of the unit’s condition (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B). Late fees cannot be charged until rent is 30 days overdue.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Massachusetts?
A Massachusetts landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with interest, or a sworn itemized list of damages with evidence of repair costs.
| Maximum Deposit | One month’s rent |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | Yes, 5% or the bank’s rate, paid yearly |
| Itemized Statement | Required, signed under penalty of perjury |
| Statute Reference | M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts banned rent control statewide in 1994, so there is no cap on increases. A tenant at will must receive at least a full rental period’s notice.
| Grace Period | No late fee until rent is 30 days late |
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited statewide (M.G.L. c. 40P) |
| Rent Increase Notice | One full rental period (tenancy at will) |
| Statute Reference | M.G.L. c. 186, §§ 12, 15B |
How to Evict a Tenant in Massachusetts
A Massachusetts eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 14-day notice to quit, and the tenant can reinstate the tenancy by paying before the answer date.
| Non-Payment Notice | 14 days’ notice to quit |
| Month-to-Month Notice | One full rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer |
| Statute Reference | M.G.L. c. 186, §§ 11, 12 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Massachusetts?
Only for specific purposes. Massachusetts allows entry to inspect, repair or show the unit, and leases usually set the notice.
| Notice Required | Not specified by statute; reasonable notice |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, show to buyers or tenants |
| Statute Reference | M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1)(a) |
What Must a Massachusetts Lease Disclose?
- Tenant Lead Law Notification and certificate (pre-1978 housing)
- Statement of condition within 10 days of the tenancy starting (M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B)
- Deposit receipt naming the bank and account number
- Name and address of the owner and manager
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts landlords must meet the State Sanitary Code; after a code violation is documented, tenants may repair and deduct up to four months’ rent or withhold rent.
What Massachusetts landlords must maintain
- • Comply with the State Sanitary Code (105 CMR 410)
- • Provide heat, hot water, working plumbing and safe electrical systems
What a Massachusetts tenant can do
- • Repair and deduct after a certified code violation (limit below)
- • Withhold rent and raise conditions as a defense
| Repair & Deduct | Up to four months’ rent after a documented code violation |
| Statute Reference | M.G.L. c. 111, § 127L; c. 239, § 8A |