Massachusetts Rent Control Laws: 2025 Renter's Guide

If you're renting in Massachusetts and concerned about possible rent hikes, it's important to know the latest on rent control and your rights as a tenant. In 2025, affordable housing and rental costs remain top priorities for lawmakers and renters alike. This guide explains the current legal status of rent control in Massachusetts, your protections against rent increases, and how to get help if you have concerns about your tenancy.

Is Rent Control Allowed in Massachusetts in 2025?

As of 2025, Massachusetts does not have statewide rent control. In fact, local municipalities in Massachusetts are not legally allowed to enact new rent control laws without first receiving state approval. This restriction is the result of a 1994 statewide ballot initiative that officially ended rent control in Massachusetts.

• No Massachusetts city or town currently operates a rent-controlled or rent-stabilized housing program.
• Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline once had rent control, but all such ordinances were abolished in 1994 and remain unavailable under state law today.

Some local proposals to reintroduce rent control have been discussed in recent years, but none have been approved by the Massachusetts Legislature as of June 2025.^[1]

What Legal Protections Do Massachusetts Renters Have?

Even though there is no rent control, Massachusetts renters still have important legal protections. The main law governing tenancies is the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186 (Landlord and Tenant).^[2]

Key renter protections include:

• Advance notice of rent increases: Landlords must wait until your current lease ends to raise your rent, unless your lease states otherwise. For month-to-month renters, a landlord must give a written notice equal to the time between rent payments (usually 30 days).
• Prohibition on retaliatory evictions: Landlords cannot evict you simply for exercising your legal rights (such as requesting repairs).
• Security deposit protections: There are strict rules for handling, returning, and accounting for security deposits in Massachusetts.
• Fair housing protections: Discrimination based on race, gender, disability, family status, or other protected characteristics is illegal.

How Rent Increases Work Without Rent Control

Massachusetts law does not limit the amount of a rent increase, as long as your lease has ended or if you are renting month-to-month and proper notice is given. While there's no official cap, tenants always have the right to negotiate and to receive notice as outlined above.

If you believe a rent increase is excessive or unlawful (for example, if it is an act of discrimination or retaliation), you have options to take action. Read on for steps and support resources.

How to Respond if Your Rent Goes Up

While you cannot appeal a legal rent increase in most cases, you can take these practical steps:

• Review your lease: Make sure your landlord followed the correct process and that you received written notice.
• Negotiate: You may wish to communicate with your landlord to see if an agreement can be reached.
• Know your fair housing rights: If you believe a rent increase is discriminatory, you can file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
• Seek local mediation: Some municipalities offer free mediation between landlords and tenants. Check with your city or town hall.

Official Forms and Filing an Issue

There is currently no specific Massachusetts "rent increase objection" form since rent control is not available. However, renters can find useful forms and resources at the Massachusetts Housing Court website, which is the primary tribunal for residential tenancy disputes.^[3]

• Summary Process (Eviction) Answer Form – Use this to respond to an eviction case, which may result from a rent dispute. Complete and file this form promptly if you've been served with an eviction notice.
• Tenant’s Answer to Complaint (Eviction) – Practical for defending yourself in court if rent increases lead to an eviction proceeding.

For full details and the latest forms, visit the Massachusetts government portal on landlord and tenant laws.

FAQ: Massachusetts Renters’ Rights and Rent Control

1. Is rent control legal anywhere in Massachusetts in 2025?
   No. Rent control is not allowed anywhere in Massachusetts without state legislative approval, and none has been granted as of 2025.
2. Can my landlord raise my rent at any time?
   Landlords can only raise your rent once your lease term ends or, for month-to-month tenants, after proper advance written notice (usually 30 days).
3. What can I do if I can't afford a rent increase?
   Consider negotiating with your landlord, seeking local mediation, or contacting tenant assistance programs for possible support.
4. Can I go to court if I think my rent increase is unfair?
   While there's no cap on rent increases, you may challenge them in court if you believe they're based on discrimination or retaliation. Forms and help are available through the Housing Court.
5. Where can I find current Massachusetts tenant rights laws?
   You can read the up-to-date law at the official Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186.

Key Takeaways for Massachusetts Renters

• As of 2025, there is no rent control in Massachusetts, and rent increases are generally not capped by law.
• Landlords must always give proper notice and cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease.
• Renters should know their rights under Massachusetts law and can seek help through advocacy groups or Housing Court if necessary.

While rent control is not available, knowing your rights can help you navigate any rent increases or disputes more confidently.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Housing Court – The official tribunal for residential landlord-tenant disputes, including evictions and rent increase issues.
• Landlord and Tenant Laws in Massachusetts – Comprehensive guide to tenant rights and landlord obligations.
• Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) – File a complaint about discrimination in housing.
• Mass Legal Help: Housing – Plain language info and links to local renter services.

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1. Official state action on rent control: St.1994, c. 282 – An Act Relative to the Control of Rents and Evictions
2. Current tenancy legislation: Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186: Landlord and Tenant
3. Housing Court official site: Massachusetts Housing Court

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