Massachusetts Rent Increase Laws

Massachusetts Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 7, 2024 by Jessica Menefee

Rent Increase Facts Answer
Reason Needed? No
Maximum Amount None
Required Notice 30 Days or Frequency of Rent Payments

Does Massachusetts Have Rent Control Laws?

Massachusetts does not have rent control laws limiting the amount landlords may ask for. State law prohibits local governments from establishing local rent control laws unless participation by landlords is completely voluntary .

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When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Massachusetts?

Landlords in Massachusetts can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:

  • Give reasonable notice
  • Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
  • Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons
note

If a lease agreement contains a provision that allows for a rent increase during the lease term, it must state clearly and conspicuously the terms and conditions of the rent increase including the exact amount of the increase. The only exception where the lease won’t state the exact amount is for a tax escalator clause .

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Massachusetts?

Landlords in Massachusetts may not raise the rent if:

  • It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
  • It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as filing a complaint. This is known as “retaliation” .
  • The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.

    How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Massachusetts?

    Landlords in Massachusetts can increase the rent as often as they want as long as sufficient notice is provided each time.

    How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Massachusetts?

    In Massachusetts, landlords can raise the rent by any amount. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

    How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Massachusetts?

    Massachusetts law requires that landlords give at least 30 days’ notice  for a tenancy-at-will before increasing rent, or the amount of time equal to the frequency of rent payments (e.g. every two months), whichever is longer.

    example

    If the tenant pays rent every two months, the landlord must give 60 days’ notice before increasing rent.

    For tenants on a year lease, landlords must wait until the end of the lease term before increasing rent. There is no specific notice period required in this situation, but landlords are required to act fairly and reasonably .

    Sources

    Rent Increases & Fees in Other States