Key Lease Addendums Massachusetts Renters Should Review

When renting in Massachusetts, understanding every part of your lease is crucial – not just the main contract, but also any addendums attached. Addendums are extra agreements added to your lease, and they can affect your rights, responsibilities, or even how much you pay. This article explains common lease addendums Massachusetts tenants should watch for and offers guidance using up-to-date legal rules and official resources.

What Are Lease Addendums?

A lease addendum is a written document added to your original lease agreement that changes or adds rules, conditions, or responsibilities. Addendums must follow Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186, which covers landlord-tenant laws¹.

• Addendums can’t violate Massachusetts tenant rights.
• You are not required to sign an addendum unless you agree to its terms.
• Ask for clarification if any language is unclear.

Common examples include pet rules, subletting policies, or rules about guests. Always read these closely before signing.

Common Lease Addendums in Massachusetts

Here are some addendums Massachusetts renters often see—and what to check:

• Lead Paint Disclosure Addendum: Required for any housing built before 1978. Landlords must give you the Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification Form (Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program). This form explains risks and your rights.
• Security Deposit Agreement: Massachusetts has specific rules for security deposits. If your lease has a security deposit addendum, make sure the amount and conditions follow state laws on security deposits.
• Pet Addendum: Sets rules for having pets, deposits, or fees. Service animals have separate legal protections under state and federal law.
• Maintenance and Repairs Addendum: May clarify who is responsible for certain repairs. But the landlord is always responsible for ensuring the property meets State Sanitary Code standards.
• Utilities Agreement Addendum: Outlines who pays for heat, electricity, water, or other utilities. Massachusetts law requires clear disclosure of any shared meters or utilities.
• Smoking Policy Addendum: Some leases include rules about smoking in the apartment or common areas.
• Guest Policy Addendum: May limit long-term guests or require you to notify the landlord if guests stay beyond a certain period.

Official Forms: What Renters Should Know

• Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification Form – Download here.
  • Used when: You’re renting a home built before 1978. The landlord must provide this form before you sign the lease.
  • Example: Your landlord tells you about lead paint risk and gives you the official form to review and sign before move-in.
• Security Deposit Receipt and Statement of Condition – Provided by your landlord if they collect a security deposit (learn more).
  • Used when: Paying a security deposit; your landlord must give you a receipt and a Statement of Condition form for your review and signature, noting any problems at move-in.
  • Example: After paying your deposit, you photograph the apartment and write notes on the Statement of Condition before returning it to your landlord within 15 days.

For more on official housing forms or to find other landlord-tenant documents, visit the Massachusetts Housing Court and Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

If You Are Concerned About an Addendum

If an addendum feels unfair or unclear, take these basic steps:

• Read all addendum documents in detail before signing.
• Ask your landlord or property manager to explain any unclear language.
• Compare addendum terms with the Massachusetts Tenant Rights guide and Chapter 186 to check legality.
• If needed, contact the Massachusetts Housing Court or a free legal aid service for help.

Who Oversees Landlord-Tenant Disputes?

The Massachusetts Housing Court handles most residential tenancy cases, including security deposits, eviction, and lease disputes. Section 186 of the Massachusetts General Laws is your primary legal reference for landlord and tenant relationships¹.

FAQs: Massachusetts Lease Addendums & Your Rights

1. Are lease addendums legally binding in Massachusetts?
   Yes, if properly signed by both parties and if they don’t violate tenant rights described in state law.
2. Can my landlord add new addendums after I sign my lease?
   Not without your consent. Any changes to your lease, including addendums, require your agreement and signature.
3. Do I have to accept a no-pet addendum if I have a service animal?
   No. Under both Massachusetts law and federal law, landlords cannot refuse a service animal, even if a no-pet policy is in place.
4. What should I do if an addendum seems illegal?
   Check the addendum against Massachusetts tenant rights and contact Housing Court or legal aid for advice before signing.
5. Do I get a copy of all addendums I sign?
   Yes. Your landlord must give you a copy of every part of the lease you sign, including all addendums.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Read all lease addendums carefully and ask questions before you sign.
• Check each addendum against Massachusetts law to protect your rights.
• Use official forms and legal help if you’re unsure about an addendum’s fairness or legality.

Understanding lease addendums can help prevent future problems and ensure your tenancy goes smoothly.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Housing Court – For all tenancy hearings, disputes, and guidance (primary tribunal for tenants and landlords)
• Massachusetts Official Tenant Rights Guide
• Massachusetts Legal Aid Finder – Free legal assistance for tenants
• Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

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1. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186 – Landlord and Tenant Statutes
2. State Sanitary Code for Housing, 105 CMR 410 – Minimum Standards of Fitness for Human Habitation
3. Tenant Lead Law Notification and Certification Form – Download from Mass.gov
4. Security Deposit Laws and Forms – Massachusetts Law About Security Deposits

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