General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
Last reviewed
The short version
- Rent control is banned statewide by a 1994 law approved by voters, so cities and towns cannot adopt it on their own.
- There is no statewide limit on rent increases.
- Rent cannot change during a fixed term lease; for a tenant at will, a new rent generally needs written notice of a full rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer.
Massachusetts voters banned rent control statewide in 1994, and that ban still applies. A 2026 ballot effort to lift it was removed from the ballot by the state's highest court.
Massachusetts rent control at a glance
| Rule | Massachusetts | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Rent control is banned statewide by a 1994 law approved by voters, so cities and towns cannot adopt it on their own. | G.L. c.40P (Rent Control Prohibition Act) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide limit on rent increases. | G.L. c.40P |
| Notice before a rent increase | Rent cannot change during a fixed term lease; for a tenant at will, a new rent generally needs written notice of a full rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer. | G.L. c.186 (tenancy at will notice) |
Does Massachusetts have rent control?
Rent control status. Rent control is banned statewide by a 1994 law approved by voters, so cities and towns cannot adopt it on their own. (G.L. c.40P (Rent Control Prohibition Act))
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide limit on rent increases. (G.L. c.40P)
City and county rules
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. Rent cannot change during a fixed term lease; for a tenant at will, a new rent generally needs written notice of a full rental period or 30 days, whichever is longer. (G.L. c.186 (tenancy at will notice))
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
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.40P (Rent Control Prohibition Act)
- G.L. c.40P
- G.L. c.186 (tenancy at will notice)
Official sources
Massachusetts forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
The parts people misread.
Does Massachusetts have rent control?
Rent control is banned statewide by a 1994 law approved by voters, so cities and towns cannot adopt it on their own. Source: G.L. c.40P (Rent Control Prohibition Act).
How much can rent go up in a year in Massachusetts?
There is no statewide limit on rent increases. Source: G.L. c.40P.