Massachusetts landlord-tenant law
Local rules also apply in: Boston, Cambridge
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | A security deposit of no more than the first month's rent. |
| Deposit return deadline | Within 30 days after the tenancy ends: return the deposit or balance. |
| Notice to enter | Not yet verified |
| Rent increase notice | Not yet verified |
| Late fees | No interest or penalty for late rent until 30 days after the rent was due. |
| Eviction notice (nonpayment) | 14 days' written notice to quit for nonpayment. |
| Rent control / state preemption | No city or town may enact, maintain, or enforce rent control of any kind, except under a narrow opt-in that requires voluntary owner part… |
Details & sources
Security deposit limit
A security deposit of no more than the first month's rent. A landlord may also collect first and last month's rent and the cost of a new lock and key.
Verified Source: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(1) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Deposit return deadline
Within 30 days after the tenancy ends: return the deposit or balance. Any deduction for damage needs a sworn, itemized list plus estimates, bills, or receipts within the same 30 days, or the right to keep any of it is lost.
Verified Source: M.G.L. c. 186, § 15B(4) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Notice to enter
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Rent increase notice
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Late fees
No interest or penalty for late rent until 30 days after the rent was due.
Verified Source: M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B(1)(c) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Eviction notice (nonpayment)
14 days' written notice to quit for nonpayment.
Verified Source: M.G.L. c. 186 § 11 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Rent control / state preemption
No city or town may enact, maintain, or enforce rent control of any kind, except under a narrow opt-in that requires voluntary owner participation, excludes owners of fewer than 10 units, and requires the city to compensate owners.
Verified Source: M.G.L. c. 40P, § 4 · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Cities in Massachusetts with their own rules
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