Massachusetts Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Massachusetts law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Massachusetts landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Massachusetts lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 1 month's rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days |
| Interest on deposits | required |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard) |
| Late fee cap | no statutory percentage cap |
| Rent grace period | 30 days |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 5 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 4 disclosures required |
Massachusetts lease law guides
- Massachusetts Security Deposit Limit1 month's rent
- Massachusetts Deposit Return Deadline30 days
- Massachusetts Deposit Interest Rulesinterest required
- Massachusetts Landlord Entry Notice24 hours typical ("reasonable notice" standard)
- Massachusetts Late Fee Lawsno statutory percentage cap
- Massachusetts Rent Grace Period30 days
- Massachusetts Prohibited Lease Clauses5 restricted clause types
- Massachusetts Required Disclosures4 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Massachusetts law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 5 prohibited clause types in Massachusetts, with statute citations →
Disclosures Massachusetts landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Condition Statement
- Security Deposit Receipt
All 4 required disclosures in Massachusetts, explained with citations →
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Massachusetts lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts generally limits security deposits to 1 month's rent. Conditions can apply — see the Massachusetts security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Massachusetts?
- Generally 30 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Massachusetts deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Massachusetts?
- Yes — Massachusetts law requires interest on held security deposits in covered rentals. Conditions can apply — see the Massachusetts deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts requires "reasonable notice" rather than a fixed hour minimum — 24 hours is the typical interpretation. Conditions can apply — see the Massachusetts landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Conditions can apply — see the Massachusetts late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts generally provides a 30-day grace period before late fees. Conditions can apply — see the Massachusetts rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts law restricts 5 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Condition Statement (Detailed statement of condition of premises must be provided at move-in); Security Deposit Receipt (Receipt for security deposit with bank name and account details); Insurance (Disclosure that tenant may obtain renters insurance).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.