Can a landlord raise my rent without written notice in Massachusetts?

No. Landlords must give written notice of a rent increase at least one full rental period in advance.

Is there a cap on rent increases in Massachusetts?

No statewide limit exists, unless the increase is retaliatory, discriminatory, or limited by your lease agreement.

Where do I report an illegal rent increase in Massachusetts?

You can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office or with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination for discrimination cases.

Does Massachusetts have a rent control board?

No, there is no statewide rent control board; complaints are handled by the Attorney General or MCAD.

What should I do if I’m facing eviction after refusing a suspected illegal rent increase?

Document all communications, seek legal help, and you may present your defense in housing court if the increase violated the law.

Challenge an Illegal Rent Increase in Massachusetts

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Massachusetts published June 21, 2025

If you’re a renter in Massachusetts, understanding your rights is key when facing a rent increase. Massachusetts does not have statewide rent control, but all landlords must follow the rules set out in the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186: Estates for Years and at Will. Certain restrictions exist on how and when rent can be raised. This guide explains what to do if you believe your rent increase is illegal, and how to take action using official Massachusetts resources.

When Is a Rent Increase Illegal in Massachusetts?

Most Massachusetts tenancies are “at-will” (month-to-month) or fixed-term leases. In general, a landlord can raise rent at the end of a lease or, for at-will tenants, by giving proper advance written notice—usually one full rental period (one month for month-to-month tenancies). An increase may be illegal if:

The landlord did not provide written notice at least one full rental period in advance.
The increase is an act of retaliation (for example, because you reported code violations).
The increase discriminates against you due to race, national origin, disability, family status, or other protected characteristics.
The lease limits rent increases and the landlord does not follow those terms.
The increase violates a local city/town rent control ordinance (rare in Massachusetts, but some cities may have special rules for specific housing types).

Review your lease and know your rights before taking any action.

How to Respond to a Suspected Illegal Rent Increase

If you believe your rent increase is improper, take these steps to protect your tenancy and rights:

Review your lease for terms covering rent increases.
Check the required notice: For at-will tenancies, you should receive written notice at least one rental period before the new rent takes effect.
Determine if retaliation or discrimination is a factor: Landlords may not raise rent in retaliation for you exercising your legal rights or because of a protected characteristic.
Gather proof of the rent increase (letters, texts, emails), your current lease, and any relevant correspondence.

Step 1: Communicate with Your Landlord

Sometimes, rent increases are based on misunderstandings. Reach out in writing to ask about the change and request clarification if the new amount was not properly noticed or explained. Save all communication.

Step 2: Send a Letter Disputing the Rent Increase

If you believe the increase is illegal, send a written letter disputing the rent increase. Clearly state why you object (e.g., insufficient notice or suspected retaliation). Request that your landlord withdraw or reconsider the increase. Keep a copy of your letter for your records.

Step 3: Seek Mediation or File a Complaint

You may contact the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office for consumer protection concerns, including illegal increases, through their Consumer Complaint Form (no official form number). This form can be used to report suspected unlawful landlord actions.
For discrimination, file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). Use the MCAD Discrimination Complaint Process to start the process. An intake form will guide you; you'll be asked about the alleged discriminatory rent increase.

If mediation does not resolve the issue, you may need to seek advice or legal assistance, especially if your tenancy is threatened.

Official Forms for Challenging Illegal Rent Increases

Consumer Complaint Form (Massachusetts Attorney General):
File a Consumer Complaint
Use this form if you believe your rent was raised unlawfully (not enough notice, retaliation, etc.). For example, if your landlord increases rent after you reported poor living conditions, you can file this form online with a written explanation and attachments.
MCAD Intake Questionnaire:
File a Discrimination Complaint
If you suspect a rent increase was based on race, disability, or another protected status, use MCAD’s online questionnaire to start your complaint. The process is confidential, and MCAD investigates discrimination claims in housing.

There is no specific "Rent Increase Challenge" tribunal in Massachusetts. Complaints are usually handled by the Attorney General’s Office or MCAD (in cases of discrimination).

Tip: Document every conversation, email, and letter. If you go to a government agency or court, having a timeline and copies of all notices and communications makes your case much stronger.

What Massachusetts Law Says About Rent Increases

Massachusetts law requires landlords to give written notice of rent increases at least one full rental period in advance for at-will tenants and to honor all written lease agreements. No landlord may retaliate for lawful tenant actions (Chapter 186, Section 18: Retaliation Law), and discrimination is strictly prohibited (Chapter 151B: Fair Housing Practices).

FAQs About Illegal Rent Increases in Massachusetts

Can a landlord raise my rent without written notice?
No. Massachusetts landlords must provide written notice of a rent increase at least one full rental period in advance (usually one month for month-to-month tenants).
Is there a limit on how much my landlord can increase my rent?
Massachusetts does not set a maximum for rent increases in most cases, unless the increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, or the lease restricts increases.
What if my landlord is trying to evict me after I refuse the rent increase?
Landlords can issue a Notice to Quit if a tenant refuses to pay a lawfully noticed rent increase. However, if the notice or increase violated the law, you may have a valid defense in housing court.
How do I report a suspected illegal rent increase?
File a consumer complaint with the Attorney General's Office or contact MCAD for housing discrimination concerns.
Does Massachusetts have a rent control board?
No. There is no statewide rent control or stabilization board, so complaints go to the Attorney General's Office or MCAD as appropriate.

Key Takeaways

Rent increases in Massachusetts must be properly noticed and cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory.
Use official forms and government agencies to challenge suspected illegal increases.
Document everything and keep copies of all communications with your landlord.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Massachusetts Tenants' Rights (Official Gov Guide)
Massachusetts Attorney General's Office—File a Consumer Complaint
Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination—Housing complaints
MassLegalHelp: Housing Help (information only, not a government site, but links to official resources)