Massachusetts Lease Agreement PDF
Massachusetts at a glance: Security Deposit Limit: 1 month's rent · Deposit Return Deadline: 30 days after move-out · Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month: 30 days (equal to rental period)
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Lease Agreements in Massachusetts
Massachusetts landlord-tenant law is governed by Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 and ch. 239. Massachusetts caps security deposits at one month's rent — one of the stricter limits in the country — and requires deposits returned within 30 days.
Massachusetts has no current statewide or active local rent control. Boston, Cambridge, and Brookline previously had rent control repealed by a 1994 statewide referendum. Evictions begin with a 14-day notice for non-payment.
Massachusetts Lease Agreement — Quick Reference
| Requirement | Massachusetts Rule |
|---|---|
| Security Deposit Limit | 1 month's rent |
| Deposit Return Deadline | 30 days after move-out |
| Notice to Terminate Month-to-Month | 30 days (equal to rental period) |
| Eviction Notice (Non-Payment) | 14-Day Notice to Quit |
| Deposit Interest | Required annually (5% or savings rate) |
| Rent Control | None (repealed statewide in 1994) |
| Governing Law | Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 186 |
Massachusetts Legal Requirements
- Security deposit capped at 1 month's rent.
- Deposits must be held in a separate interest-bearing account.
- Annual interest (5% or bank rate) must be paid to tenant each year.
- Landlords must provide a written receipt for the deposit.
- Deposits must be returned within 30 days with itemized deductions.
- Lead paint disclosure required for pre-1978 properties; Massachusetts requires deleading for units with children under 6.
Massachusetts Governing Laws
Read the full text of these laws at Cornell Law School's Massachusetts legal resources or your state legislature's official website.