Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Laws
Massachusetts has some of the strictest landlord-tenant laws in the country. Security deposits must be held in a separate interest-bearing account, receipts are required, and late fees cannot be charged until 30 days after the due date.
Key Rules at a Glance
Security Deposit Limit
1 month's rent
Hard cap. Must be held in a separate, interest-bearing escrow account. Landlord must provide written receipt within 30 days.
Deposit Return Deadline
30 days
With itemized written statement and interest earned.
Notice to Enter
Reasonable notice
No specific statute. Courts expect advance notice — 24 hours is standard.
Rent Increase Notice
30 days (month-to-month)
Written notice at least 30 days before a rent increase.
Late Fee Grace Period
30 days
Massachusetts landlords cannot charge a late fee until rent is 30 days past due — one of the longest grace periods in the country.
Nonpayment Eviction Notice
14 days
Written 14-day notice to pay or quit before filing in housing court.
Lease Termination (Month-to-Month)
30 days (tenant) / varies (landlord)
Tenants give 30 days notice. Landlords must provide a valid reason (in some jurisdictions) and appropriate notice.
Disclaimer:Massachusetts security deposit rules are extremely technical — missing any step (receipt, interest payment, itemized statement) can result in liability of 3× the deposit. Consult a MA landlord-tenant attorney.
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Open →Frequently Asked Questions
What are the security deposit rules in Massachusetts?
The cap is one month's rent. You must provide a written receipt within 30 days, hold the deposit in a separate interest-bearing account, and provide the tenant with the bank name and account number. At move-out, return the deposit with accrued interest within 30 days. Missing any step can cost you 3× the deposit.
When can a Massachusetts landlord charge a late fee?
Not until rent is 30 days past due — one of the longest mandatory grace periods in the country. Late fees charged before 30 days are unenforceable.
How do I evict a non-paying tenant in Massachusetts?
Serve a written 14-day notice to pay or quit. If not cured, file a summary process action in housing court. The process typically takes 4–8 weeks from notice to judgment.