Massachusetts Repairs and habitability remedies

What can a tenant do if the landlord won't make repairs in Massachusetts?

If a board of health, code agency or court certifies sanitary-code violations that endanger the tenant, and the owner was notified in writing but fails to begin repairs within 5 days or substantially complete them within 14 days, the tenant may make the repairs. The tenant may deduct the cost from rent, up to 4 months' rent in any 12 months, or may treat the lease as ended and vacate. In a nonpayment or no-fault eviction, the tenant may raise code violations the landlord knew about as a defense or counterclaim (rent withholding).

Verified Source: M.G.L. c. 111 § 127L; c. 239 § 8A · last checked 2026-10-15