Demanding Pre-Move-In Repairs as a Renter in Massachusetts

Moving into a new rental in Massachusetts should be a positive start, not a source of stress over issues like leaky roofs or unsafe appliances. Massachusetts law gives renters rights to demand that landlords make necessary repairs before move-in, ensuring your new home meets health and safety standards. This article explains, step-by-step and in plain language, how to request pre-move-in repairs, the forms you need, and which state resources can help if problems aren’t addressed.

Why Pre-Move-In Repairs Matter

Making sure your rental unit is safe and habitable before you move in is not only your right—it's crucial for your health and security. Massachusetts law requires that landlords maintain rentals to certain minimum standards, including working heat, plumbing, safe electrical systems, and a unit free from pest infestations.

What Are Your Rights Before Moving In?

Massachusetts renters are protected by the Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 (Landlord and Tenant) and the State Sanitary Code: Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation. Before you move in, landlords must:

• Provide a rental unit that meets basic health and safety standards
• Disclose any known hazards (like lead paint)
• Ensure essential services (heat, water, electricity) are functional
• Correct code violations as required by local health officials

How to Request Repairs Before Moving In

You should perform a detailed walkthrough and note any problems before moving in or signing your lease. Here’s how you can protect yourself and request necessary repairs:

1. Conduct a Thorough Inspection

• Walk through the rental unit before move-in with the landlord or their agent.
• Document all damages or issues in writing, taking clear photographs for your records.

2. Complete an Apartment Condition Statement

In Massachusetts, landlords must provide you with an Apartment Condition Statement within 10 days of moving in ^[1]. This document helps record the condition of your apartment.

• Form name: Apartment Condition Statement (no official form number)
• How to use: Fill out this statement documenting any pre-existing damages or repairs needed. Return a signed copy to your landlord within 15 days. This protects your security deposit from wrongful deductions later.
• See the official Apartment Condition Statement requirements here

3. Submit a Written Repair Request

• Send a dated, written request listing all needed repairs to your landlord. Be specific and attach your inspection notes or Apartment Condition Statement.
• Keep a copy of your letter and any correspondence for your records.

4. If Repairs Are Not Made—Contact Local Authorities

If your landlord does not respond or refuses to make repairs, you may contact your local Board of Health for an inspection. They can order the landlord to correct any code violations before your move-in.

Official Massachusetts Forms and How They Work

• Apartment Condition Statement – Provided by your landlord, this documents any existing issues in the apartment within 10 days of moving in. Complete it and return a signed copy to your landlord within 15 days. Learn more from the Massachusetts security deposit guidance.
• Lead Paint Disclosure Form – If the unit was built before 1978, landlords must provide this. For details, see the official Massachusetts Lead Law page.
• No official “Repair Request” form: A simple written letter or email is sufficient. There is no state-mandated application for requesting repairs, but always keep documentation.

What If Your Landlord Refuses Repairs?

Your main state contact is your local Board of Health, who can inspect and cite code violations. If the problem continues, Massachusetts’ Housing Court handles disputes over rental conditions and enforcement of repair orders. Learn more about your rights and the Housing Court process on this official page.

Key Steps: Demanding Repairs Before Move-In

• Inspect the apartment thoroughly
• Complete and return the Apartment Condition Statement within 15 days
• Send a written request for repairs to your landlord
• Escalate to your local Board of Health if needed

Being organized and prompt protects your rights and helps ensure your safety.

FAQs for Massachusetts Renters

1. What if my landlord doesn’t give me an Apartment Condition Statement?
   You can still create your own detailed list of conditions and send it to your landlord within 15 days. This will provide similar legal protection relating to your security deposit.
2. Can I withhold rent if repairs aren’t made before move-in?
   No, you must follow the legal process and contact your Board of Health first. Only after an inspection and written order to the landlord to repair can additional steps be taken.
3. What repairs must my landlord complete before move-in?
   All health, safety, and code-related repairs—such as heating, plumbing, and pest issues—must be addressed before you move in under the State Sanitary Code.
4. How do I get an official inspection?
   Contact your local Board of Health to schedule a free inspection if repairs are not made.

Conclusion: Protect Your Rights Before You Move In

• Document the condition of your apartment before move-in using the Apartment Condition Statement and photos.
• Send a written request to your landlord for any needed repairs before you move in.
• If the landlord does not make required repairs, contact your Board of Health and consider Housing Court for unresolved disputes.

Being thorough and timely will make your start in a new rental safer and more secure.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Housing Court – Residential tenancy disputes and repairs
• Find Your Local Board of Health – For inspections and code enforcement
• Mass.gov Landlord and Tenant Law Overview – Rights, obligations, and official forms
• Lead Law Compliance Resources
• Security Deposits Information

---

1. Massachusetts Security Deposit Law and Apartment Condition Statement
2. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186: Landlord and Tenant
3. State Sanitary Code – Minimum Standards for Habitation
4. Massachusetts Housing Court – Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations