Massachusetts Prohibited Lease Clauses
5 restricted clause typesOur Massachusetts law database tracks 5 lease clause types that state law prohibits or restricts (5 illegal). Even if you signed a lease containing one, an illegal or unenforceable clause is generally void — you have not waived the underlying right.
Educational information: generated from our Massachusetts law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
Clause types restricted by Massachusetts law
Waiver of implied warranty of habitability
Likely IllegalLegal basis: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 Section 14
Waiver of tenant rights
Likely IllegalLegal basis: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 Section 15
Confession of judgment clause
Likely IllegalLegal basis: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 Section 15
Non-refundable security deposit
Likely IllegalLegal basis: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 Section 15B
Security deposit exceeding one month
Likely IllegalLegal basis: Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 Section 15B
Frequently asked questions
- 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.
- Is a lease still valid if it contains an illegal clause in Massachusetts?
- Usually yes — the offending clause is void or unenforceable, but the rest of the lease typically remains in effect. You generally cannot be held to a clause that violates state law even if you signed it.
- Which law prohibits "waiver of implied warranty of habitability" in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 Section 14.
Check Your Lease Against Massachusetts Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Massachusetts law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Massachusetts lease law guides
- Massachusetts rental lease laws — overview
- Massachusetts security deposit limit
- Massachusetts deposit return deadline
- Massachusetts deposit interest rules
- Massachusetts landlord entry notice
- Massachusetts late fee laws
- Massachusetts rent grace period
- Massachusetts required disclosures
Prohibited Lease Clauses in other states
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts for your specific situation.