Do any cities in Massachusetts have legal rent control right now?

No, as of 2024, no city in Massachusetts has active rent control unless specifically authorized by the state legislature.

What notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?

Landlords must provide at least one full rental period’s written notice, usually 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.

Who do I contact if I think a rent increase is unfair?

You may contact the Massachusetts Housing Court, your local city housing office, or a tenant advocacy organization for help.

Are there different rules for subsidized or affordable housing?

Yes, tenants in subsidized/affordable housing should check with their housing provider, as different rent increase rules may apply.

Massachusetts Rent Caps and Local Ordinances Explained

Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Massachusetts published June 21, 2025

Massachusetts renters often wonder whether cities and towns have the power to limit rent increases or protect tenants from sharp price hikes. While Massachusetts currently has no statewide rent control, several cities have proposed local rent caps or tenant protection ordinances. Understanding these local efforts—and your rights under state law—helps you plan, communicate with your landlord, and access support if you face a sudden rent increase.

Does Rent Control or Rent Stabilization Exist in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts does not have state-level rent control. In fact, in 1994, Massachusetts voters approved a law ending all forms of local rent control statewide. Since then, no city or town has operated traditional rent control programs, and annual rent increases are not capped by state law for private market rentals.^[1]

Efforts to Reintroduce Local Rent Caps

Several Massachusetts cities—including Boston, Somerville, and Cambridge—have discussed or proposed new ordinances to cap annual rent increases or restrict no-fault evictions. As of 2024, these proposals must be approved by the state legislature before taking effect. Boston, for example, filed "home rule petitions" seeking permission to limit yearly rent hikes.^[2]

Boston: Proposed a maximum allowable rent increase of 6% plus inflation (up to 10%) per year. Not yet enacted. Learn more about Boston’s rent stabilization efforts.
Somerville: Passed a local ordinance in 2022 for just cause eviction; currently also seeking rent stabilization powers from the state.
Cambridge: Advocacy initiatives continue; rent control not yet restored after 1994 repeal.

Until state approval is granted, no Massachusetts city—including Boston—has enforceable local rent caps on private housing. However, some municipalities may require more notices for rent increases or offer tenant resources. Always check your city's official website for current updates.

What Protections Do Renters Have Against Rent Increases?

While there are no rent caps for most private rentals, Massachusetts does have laws governing:

Notice of Rent Increases: For tenants at will (month-to-month), a landlord must give at least one full rental period's written notice before a rent hike (e.g., 30 days if you pay monthly).
Fair Housing Protections: Landlords cannot raise rent in a way that discriminates based on race, national origin, disability, or other protected characteristics. Fair housing laws in Massachusetts.
Subsidized/affordable housing: Certain rent-controlled, subsidized, or affordable units (e.g., Section 8, public housing) have their own rent increase rules. Check with the appropriate housing agency.

Tenants always have the right to ask for written notice and clarification about any rent increase. If you receive a rent hike you think is unfair or discriminatory, consider seeking help from a tenant advocacy group or a local legal aid office.

Required Forms and How to Use Them

Notice to Quit (for Rent Increases):
Used for: If a landlord wants to end a tenancy (e.g., after a tenant rejects a rent increase), they must serve you a written Notice to Quit.
Where to get it: There is no single state-issued form, but guidelines can be found at the Massachusetts government eviction guide.
Example: If your landlord raises the rent beyond what you can pay and you do not agree, they may serve a Notice to Quit before filing for eviction.
Summary Process Summons and Complaint (Housing Court Form 1):
Used for: Landlords must file this if they want to evict, including for nonpayment after a rent increase.
Where to get it: Summary Process Summons and Complaint (PDF) – Official Housing Court source.
Example: If you stay after receiving a Notice to Quit and do not pay an increased rent, your landlord may file this form at court to begin eviction.

Who Oversees Residential Tenancies and Rent Disputes?

The Massachusetts Housing Court handles most rental disputes, including rent increases, evictions, and tenant-landlord conflicts. Tenants may also contact the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) for general housing help and resources.

Relevant Legislation

These state laws set out your rights and responsibilities as a Massachusetts tenant, including notice periods and court process for rent disputes.

Frequently Asked Questions about Local Rent Caps and Rent Increases in Massachusetts

Do any cities in Massachusetts have legal rent control right now?
No. As of 2024, all local rent control is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the state legislature, and no city has such authority yet.
What notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
Landlords must provide at least one full rental period’s written notice (often 30 days for monthly leases) for any rent increase.
If I can’t afford a rent increase, can I stop it?
While you can try to negotiate, landlords are generally allowed to increase rent as long as they provide proper notice and don’t discriminate. If you refuse to pay, your landlord may begin the eviction process following the law.
Who do I contact if I think a rent increase is unfair?
You can reach out to the Massachusetts Housing Court, your local city’s housing office, or a tenant advocacy organization for help and advice.
Are there protections for tenants in subsidized or affordable housing?
Yes. Subsidized and affordable housing programs often have independent rent regulations. Check with your property manager or the DHCD.

Key Takeaways

There is no legal rent cap in Massachusetts unless future state legislation allows a city to enact one.
Landlords must give proper notice before increasing rent.
Renters can seek help from Massachusetts Housing Court or tenant advocacy organizations if they think their rights are being violated.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

Massachusetts Housing Court – Official tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes, including rent increases and evictions.
Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) – State resources and emergency rental help.
MassLegalHelp (Housing Section) – Renter self-help guides and legal information from Massachusetts legal services.
Find your Local Housing Authority if you live in subsidized or public housing.

See Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 186 (Landlord and Tenant): Official landlord-tenant statutes
Summary of local efforts: Boston Rent Stabilization Proposal