Can Your Landlord Charge for Trash and Recycling in Massachusetts?

If you’re renting in Massachusetts, you may be wondering if your landlord can require you to pay for trash and recycling services. Knowing your rights around utility billing can help prevent misunderstandings and extra costs you aren’t responsible for. This article explains how trash and recycling charges are handled under Massachusetts law—and what to do if you believe you’re being billed unfairly.

Who Is Responsible for Trash and Recycling: Landlord or Renter?

In most Massachusetts rental situations, landlords provide trash and recycling removal for tenants. According to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 Section 15F, landlords must maintain the premises in a clean and safe condition. This typically includes providing facilities for disposal of waste.

• Landlords in most apartment buildings are responsible for arranging and paying for trash and recycling removal.
• If you rent a single-family home (not in a multi-unit building), your landlord can require you to take responsibility for trash services if it's clearly stated in your lease agreement.
• Some towns or cities offer municipal pickup—which is often included in local taxes—so neither landlord nor tenant receives a direct bill.

Always check your written lease. If your lease says you must pay for trash or recycling, your landlord can lawfully pass along those costs—but only if the lease is clear and specific.

Billing Rules: What Landlords Can and Cannot Charge

Massachusetts law protects renters against unfair or hidden charges for essential services. Here’s what you need to know:

• No surprise bills: Landlords cannot bill you for trash/recycling unless it’s spelled out in your written rental agreement.
• Itemized Charges: If your lease requires you to pay, you’re entitled to an invoice that shows exactly what you’re being charged for.
• If your landlord charges you for a service that should be covered, you may have reason to dispute the charges.

Practical Examples

• Shared Apartments: You live in a three-flat in Boston, trash bins out back, city pickup—no extra bill allowed unless lease says otherwise.
• Single-Family Home: Your lease lists “tenant pays for all utilities (including trash)”—you may need to open a service account and pay directly.

What If You Disagree with a Trash or Recycling Charge?

If you believe your landlord is charging you incorrectly for trash or recycling:

• Review your lease and local garbage collection rules.
• Contact your landlord in writing, ask for clarification or itemized bills.
• If the issue isn’t resolved, you can seek help from the Massachusetts Housing Court (the main tribunal handling landlord-tenant disputes).

You can also contact your local Board of Health or Tenant Advocacy services if trash is not being removed or if living conditions are affected.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

• Tenant’s Complaint Form (Housing Court): When you want to officially dispute a charge or service in Housing Court, use the Housing Court Civil Action Cover Sheet (no specific form number).
  Example: You submit this with your written claim if you take the landlord to court for improper utility billing.
• Board of Health Complaint Form: If trash isn’t removed and it affects safety, submit a complaint to your city or town’s Board of Health. Find sample complaint forms here.
  Example: Used when a landlord neglects trash removal that's causing health risks.

FAQ: Trash, Recycling, and Renter Responsibilities in Massachusetts

1. Can my landlord charge me separately for trash or recycling pickup?
   Only if your written lease says so. If it’s not listed in your lease, those costs should not be passed on to you as an extra bill.
2. What should I do if my landlord stops trash collection?
   First, contact your landlord in writing. If the issue isn’t fixed, you can report it to your local Board of Health and, if necessary, take the issue to Housing Court.
3. Is it legal for the landlord to include trash fees in the rent?
   Yes. Many landlords bundle trash and recycling costs into your monthly rent, especially in multi-unit buildings.
4. Who helps resolve disputes about utility charges and services for renters?
   The Massachusetts Housing Court is the main tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes in Massachusetts. Reach out if you have an unresolved billing dispute.
5. Are there any forms I should use to file a complaint?
   Yes. Use the Housing Court Civil Action Cover Sheet if you are filing a claim with the court, or submit a Board of Health complaint if your landlord is not maintaining cleanliness or waste removal.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords generally pay for trash and recycling unless your signed lease clearly makes you responsible.
• Any charges for trash or recycling must be specified in your written agreement.
• If there’s a dispute, contact your landlord first, then reach out to your local Board of Health or the Massachusetts Housing Court for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Housing Court: File disputes and access court forms
• Massachusetts Department of Public Health: For health/code complaints
• Mass.gov Housing Resources: Guide to tenant rights and government contacts
• Contact your local Board of Health: Find your local Board here

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1. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 – Residential Tenancies
2. Landlord Responsibility for Essential Services
3. Massachusetts Housing Court – Official Site
4. Mass. Board of Health Sample Forms

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