General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
Last reviewed
The short version
- A free Massachusetts edition of our rental application template, as a PDF to print and a Word file to edit.
- Before or at the start of a tenancy a landlord may collect only first and last month's rent, a deposit up to one month and the cost of a lock and key, so separate application fees are not allowed.
- Landlords may not refuse to rent because an applicant receives public assistance or a housing subsidy, and they must follow state fair housing law and the rules for criminal record checks.
- Have a Massachusetts attorney review your final version before you use it.
A rental application for each adult applicant covering identity, rental and job history, income, household, references and a signed consent to screening. This edition fills in the Massachusetts rules we could confirm and marks the rest as blanks to check.
Massachusetts rules for this form
Application fees. Before or at the start of a tenancy a landlord may collect only first and last month's rent, a deposit up to one month and the cost of a lock and key, so separate application fees are not allowed. (G.L. c.186, section 15B)
Screening rules. Landlords may not refuse to rent because an applicant receives public assistance or a housing subsidy, and they must follow state fair housing law and the rules for criminal record checks. (G.L. c.151B, section 4)
Cities and counties in Massachusetts can add their own rules on top of these. Check local ordinances before you sign.
What is in the template
- Property applied for
- Applicant
- Rental history
- Employment and income
- Household
- References and emergency contact
- Questions
- Screening criteria
- Authorization and consent
- For office use
Before you use it
- Every adult who will live in the home should complete their own application and sign the screening consent.
- Ask only what you need to apply written criteria, and never ask about traits that fair housing law protects.
- Many states and cities cap application fees, limit criminal history questions, or protect income from vouchers.
- If a consumer report affects your decision, federal law requires an adverse action notice.
For the full explanation of this form, read our guide to the rental application.
Get the Massachusetts rental application
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have a Massachusetts attorney review before use.
Verify current law
We last checked these Massachusetts rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Massachusetts attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- G.L. c.186, section 15B
- G.L. c.151B, section 4
Official sources
Goes with this form
Before you send it.
What does Massachusetts law say about application fees?
Before or at the start of a tenancy a landlord may collect only first and last month's rent, a deposit up to one month and the cost of a lock and key, so separate application fees are not allowed. Source: G.L. c.186, section 15B.
What does Massachusetts law say about screening rules?
Landlords may not refuse to rent because an applicant receives public assistance or a housing subsidy, and they must follow state fair housing law and the rules for criminal record checks. Source: G.L. c.151B, section 4.