Massachusetts Renters’ Guide to Internet Service Responsibilities

Reliable internet access is essential for work, education, and daily life. As a renter in Massachusetts, you may wonder who is responsible for setting up and maintaining internet service in your apartment. Understanding your rights and responsibilities regarding utility services can help prevent disputes and ensure you have the connection you need.

Who Provides Internet Service in Massachusetts Rentals?

Under Massachusetts state law, internet service is typically considered a non-essential utility, unlike heat, hot water, and electricity, which are governed by specific requirements. This means landlords are not required by law to provide or pay for internet service unless it is specifically mentioned in your lease agreement.

• If the lease says the landlord provides internet: The landlord must ensure service is available and working as agreed.
• If the lease is silent on internet: The renter is usually responsible for setting up and paying for service.
• If internet is bundled with rent: The landlord remains responsible for outages and repairs, similar to other included utilities.

Check Your Lease for Internet Provisions

Always review your lease agreement or rental contract for any mention of internet or Wi-Fi. Look for details such as:

• Who arranges the service
• Who pays the bill
• Whether the password or equipment (like a router) is provided by the landlord
• What happens if there is an outage

If you're unsure or something is unclear, don't hesitate to ask your landlord for clarification.

Legal Requirements and Renter Protections

Massachusetts law requires landlords to provide essential utilities like heat, hot water, and electricity under the Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186: Estates for Years and at Will.¹ However, there are no legal mandates for internet service unless it's specified in your lease.

• If the landlord interrupts or disconnects internet service included in the rent, this could be considered a breach of the lease or a reduction of services.
• For tenants in subsidized housing or specific programs, check with your local housing authority for special provisions or grants that may apply.

What If You Experience Internet Disruptions?

If your lease promises internet, but the service stops working, take these steps:

• Notify your landlord in writing (e.g., by email or certified letter)
• Describe the issue and request prompt repair or restoration
• Keep copies of all correspondence for your records

Official Forms for Renters

• Tenant’s Notice to Landlord of Repairs Needed
  When to use: If your lease includes internet and it’s not working, use this form to notify your landlord of the disruption.
  Sample Letter: Request for Repairs (Massachusetts form)
  Example: You moved into an apartment where internet is included in the rent, but the Wi-Fi hasn’t worked for several days. Use this form to request restoration.

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Help

If your internet service is included in the lease but the landlord doesn’t restore it after notice, you may contact:

• Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (for issues with utility shutoffs, not internet, but useful for bundled services)
• Massachusetts Housing Court – the official tribunal handling residential tenancies and landlord-tenant disputes²
• Your local city or town’s inspectional services or health department, for habitability complaints

Relevant Legislation

• Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186: Estates for Years and at Will (covers rent, utilities, and tenancy rights)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does my landlord have to provide internet in Massachusetts?
   No, unless it is specifically stated in your lease agreement. Most landlords are not legally required to provide or pay for internet service.
2. What if the internet is included in my rent but stops working?
   If your lease promises internet service and it stops working, inform your landlord in writing as soon as possible. The landlord is responsible for fixing or restoring service if it is bundled with rent.
3. Can I withhold rent if internet is not working?
   Only if internet is a promised service in your lease and you follow Massachusetts’ repair and deduction process. Always seek legal advice before withholding rent.
4. Who handles disputes regarding utilities and services in rentals?
   The Massachusetts Housing Court handles residential tenancy disputes, including those over utilities and services.
5. What official form can I use to ask my landlord to fix included internet?
   You can use the Sample Letter: Request for Repairs to document and request repair of any service included in your lease.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Massachusetts Renters

• Landlords are only responsible for internet when specifically stated in your lease.
• If you pay for internet, you choose the provider; if it’s bundled, your landlord must ensure it works.
• Use the official repair request form and contact Housing Court if needed for unresolved disputes.

Understanding your lease and communicating with your landlord can prevent most internet-related issues in Massachusetts rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Massachusetts Housing Court: Handles tenancy and utility disputes
• Governor’s Office of Constituent Services: General tenant help and state agency referrals
• MassLegalHelp Housing Resources: Free legal guides and advocacy resources
• Sample Letter: Request for Repairs: Official form for service complaints

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1. Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 186 (Tenancy duties, utilities)
2. Massachusetts Housing Court (Residential Tenancy Tribunal)

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